Ink cartridge

0001This application is a Continuation-in-Part of application Ser. No. 10/991,852, filed Nov. 19, 2004. The entire disclosure of the prior application is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

00021. Field of Invention

0003This invention relates to an ink cartridge and an inkjet recording apparatus equipped with the ink cartridge.

00042. Description of Related Art

0005An ink cartridge is typically loaded into an inkjet recording apparatus by mounting the ink cartridge into the inkjet recording apparatus. A rubber stopper is attached to the ink cartridge and prevents air, ink or any other material from entering or exiting the ink cartridges. The inkjet recording apparatus includes a hollow needle with an acuminate tip. When the ink cartridge is pushed and loaded into the inkjet recording apparatus, the hollow needle penetrates the stopper plug by which an inside of the ink cartridge is in communication with the hollow needle in order to supply ink to the inkjet recording apparatus. However, the acuminate tip of the hollow needle is formed with the acuminate tip projecting toward the user. It is thus necessary to secure a safety measure in order to prevent a user from touching the tip.

0006In Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication H3-197052, for example, an inkjet recording apparatus is equipped with a protection device that protects the user from the hollow needle when the hollow needle is exposed. The protection device has a protection plate installed between the hollow needle and a side in which the ink cartridge is inserted in order to cover the hollow needle. When the ink cartridge is loaded, a lock of the protection plate when in a shielding position is released and the hollow needle is exposed. Furthermore, the hollow needle penetrates the stopper plug and the ink cartridge is thus loaded in the inkjet recording apparatus. Furthermore, when the ink cartridge is removed, the protection plate is placed in the shielding position by a twisted coil spring and held at that position by a lock component. Thus, the protection plate shields the user from touching the hollow needle.

0007As disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application No. 2001-113723, there also exists ink cartridges that prevent ink from leaking from the cartridges when the cartridges are removed from inkjet recording devices. Such ink cartridges are provided with an ink chamber that stores ink, an ink supply port that externally supplies ink stored in the ink chamber, and an ink guidance chamber formed between the ink chamber and the ink supply port.

0008The ink guidance chamber houses a valve unit, and a cylindrical packing is inserted into the ink supply port. The valve unit is urged by a compression spring in a direction elastically contacting the cylindrical packing in order to obstruct the ink flow path, and the valve unit prevents ink from leaking from the ink chamber side. The ink cartridge is structured such that, when attached to an inkjet recording device, an ink supply needle penetrates the cylindrical packing and opposes the urging force of the compression spring to press the valve unit toward the ink chamber. An ink flow path is thereby formed in order to supply ink.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

0009The present invention also allows, among other things, various dimensions that permit the secure installation of the ink cartridge in an image forming device.

0010In exemplary embodiments, an ink cartridge includes an ink chamber capable of storing ink, an opening in a bottom surface of the ink cartridge, through which the ink may be supplied from the ink chamber to an image forming device, a first side wall, a second side wall opposite from the first side wall, a front wall, and a back wall opposite the front wall, wherein a first distance between the first side wall and the second side wall is greater than a second distance between the front wall and the back wall, at least one of the front wall or the back wall includes a recess, which protrudes inwardly with respect to adjacent regions of the at least one of the front wall or the back wall, a third distance from the bottom surface to the top of the recess is more than about 4.5 mm, and a fourth distance from the adjacent regions of the at least one of the front wall or the back ball and an end of the recess is less than about 3 mm.

0011In exemplary embodiments, an ink cartridge includes an ink chamber capable of storing ink, an opening in a bottom surface of the ink cartridge, through which the ink may be supplied from the ink chamber to an image forming device, an upper surface opposite from the bottom surface, a first side wall, a second side wall opposite from the first side wall, a front wall, and a back wall opposite the front wall, wherein a first distance between the first side wall and the second side wall is greater than a second distance between the front wall and the back wall, a bottom portion of the first side wall includes a recess, which protrudes inwardly with respect to an upper portion of the first side wall, a third distance from the recess to the second side wall is less than about 39.5 mm, the front wall includes a first bottom edge and the back wall includes a second bottom edge, a fourth distance from the first bottom edge to the second bottom edge is less than about 19.5 mm, and a fifth distance from the upper surface to the bottom surface is less than about 48 mm.

0012In exemplary embodiments, an ink cartridge includes an ink chamber capable of storing ink, an opening in a bottom surface of the ink cartridge, through which the ink may be supplied from the ink chamber to an image forming device, an upper surface opposite from the bottom surface, a first side wall, a second side wall opposite from the first side wall, a front wall, and a back wall opposite the front wall, wherein a first distance between the first side wall and the second side wall is greater than a second distance between the front wall and the back wall, a bottom portion of the first side wall includes a recess, which protrudes inwardly with respect to an upper portion of the first side wall, a third distance from the recess to the second side wall is less than about 39.5 mm, the front wall includes a first bottom edge and the back wall includes a second bottom edge, a fourth distance from the first bottom edge to the second bottom edge is less than about 28.5 mm, and a fifth distance from the upper surface to the bottom surface is less than about 48 mm.

0013In exemplary embodiments, an ink cartridge includes an ink chamber capable of storing ink, an opening in a bottom surface of the ink cartridge, through which the ink may be supplied from the ink chamber to an image forming device, a first side wall, a second side wall opposite from the first side wall, a front wall, and a back wall opposite the front wall, wherein the first side wall includes a protruding region, which protrudes outwardly with respect to adjacent regions of the first side wall, the protruding region has a first edge and a second edge, the first edge being closer to the front wall than to the back wall and the second edge being closer a back wall than to the first wall, and a first distance from the first edge to the second edge is less than about 4.5 mm.

0014In exemplary embodiments, an ink cartridge includes an ink chamber capable of storing ink, an opening in a bottom surface of the ink cartridge, through which the ink may be supplied from the ink chamber to an image forming device, and a blocking member that is positioned between the bottom surface and the ink chamber, the blocking member blocking communication between the ink chamber and an outside of the ink cartridge, the blocking member being capable of allowing the communication between the ink chamber and the outside of the ink chamber when an extract component of the image forming device is moved into the ink cartridge from the opening, wherein a first distance from the bottom surface and a bottom of the blocking member is less than about 4.5 mm.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

0015Various exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the following figures, wherein:

0016<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a schematic diagram of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention and an exemplary inkjet recording apparatus according to the present invention on which the ink cartridge is mounted;

0017<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a sectional diagram showing the structure of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention before the ink cartridge is loaded into an inkjet recording apparatus;

0018<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is an oblique perspective view of an exemplary valve member according to the present invention;

0019<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is an oblique perspective view of a tip part of an exemplary ink extract tube according to the present invention;

0020<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5A</figref> is a sectional view of an exemplary ink extract tube according to the present invention before the ink extract tube enters into a guide path and contacts an exemplary valve member according to the present invention;

0021<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5B</figref> is a cross-section view of an exemplary ink extract tube according to the present invention contacting an exemplary valve member according to the present invention and pushing the valve member toward an ink chamber;

0022<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 6A</figref>, <b>6</b>B and <b>6</b>C are side views depicting rupture of a film member by an exemplary valve member according to the present invention, and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 6D</figref>, <b>6</b>E and <b>6</b>F are tops views corresponding to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 6A</figref>, <b>6</b>B and <b>6</b>C, respectively;

0023<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is a sectional diagram showing the structure of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention before the ink cartridge is loaded into an inkjet recording apparatus;

0024<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 8A-8E</figref> depict an exemplary valve member according to the present invention: <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8A</figref> is a plan view, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8B</figref> is a side view, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8C</figref> is a sectional view taken along a line of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8A</figref>, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8D</figref> is a sectional view taken along a line II-II of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8A</figref> and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8E</figref> a bottom view;

0025<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 9A and 9B</figref> depict an exemplary valve member according to the present invention: <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9A</figref> is a plan view and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9B</figref> is a side view;

0026<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> is a sectional view of a holding member of an exemplary valve member according to the present invention;

0027<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 11A and 11B</figref> are sectional views of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention: <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11A</figref> depicts a state prior to installation and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11B</figref> depicts a state after installation;

0028<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 12A-12C</figref> depict the valve member of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 11A and 11B</figref>: <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12A</figref> is a plan view, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12B</figref> is a sectional view and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12C</figref> is a bottom view;

0029<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref> is a sectional diagram showing the structure of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention before the ink cartridge is loaded into an inkjet recording apparatus;

0030<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 14A-14I</figref> depict an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention: <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14A</figref> is a front view, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14B</figref> is a side view, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14C</figref> is a bottom view, and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 14D-14I</figref> illustrate various dimensions of the ink cartridge shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 14A-14C</figref>;

0031<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref> is a perspective view of an exemplary multifunction device according to the present invention;

0032<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref> is a front view of the multifunction device of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref>;

0033<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref> is a front view of the multifunction device of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref> with an upper frame in an open state;

0034<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref> is a perspective view of the multifunction device of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref> with the upper frame in an open state;

0035<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19A</figref> is a perspective view of main components of a scanning unit of the multifunction device of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref>;

0036<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19B</figref> is a cross-sectional view of an image sensor taken along a line V-V of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19A</figref>;

0037<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref> is a cross-sectional view of the multifunction device taken along a line VI-VI of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref>;

0038<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 21</figref> is a plan view of the multifunction device taken along a line VII-VII of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref>;

0039<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 22</figref> is a perspective view showing the internal components of the main casing;

0040<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 23</figref> is an exploded perspective view showing the main casing, a power supply unit, and a network board;

0041<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 24</figref> is an exploded perspective view showing the main casing and a cover;

0042<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 25</figref> is a schematic front view of the multifunction device showing the arrangement of the primary components;

0043<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 26</figref> is a schematic plan view of the multifunction device,

0044<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 27</figref> is a schematic left side view of the multifunction device;

0045<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 28</figref> is a perspective view of a modified multifunction device;

0046<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 29</figref> is a perspective view of the multifunction device of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 28</figref> in which a cover is in an open state;

0047<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 30</figref> is a perspective view showing the relevant parts of an automatic feeding mechanism of the multifunction device of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 28</figref>; and

0048<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 31</figref> illustrates various dimensions of the multifunction device of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 26</figref>.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

0049<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a schematic view showing an ink cartridge <b>1</b> according to an embodiment of this invention and an inkjet recording apparatus <b>2</b> to which the ink cartridge <b>1</b> mounts.

0050The ink cartridge <b>1</b> is formed so as to be detachable with respect to the inkjet recording apparatus <b>2</b> that is provided with a recording head <b>7</b> which ejects ink I. The ink cartridge <b>1</b> stores the ink I to be supplied to the recording head <b>7</b>. One of a plurality of ink colors, such as cyan, magenta, yellow, black, or the like, is filled in the ink cartridge <b>1</b> as ink I, and a plurality of ink cartridges <b>1</b> that are filled with different ink colors are mounted to the inkjet recording apparatus <b>2</b>. Color printing is thus made possible.

0051The inkjet recording apparatus <b>2</b> is provided with a mounting part <b>3</b> which detachably mounts the ink cartridge <b>1</b>, a tank <b>5</b> which stores the ink I supplied from the ink cartridge <b>1</b> via an ink supply tube <b>4</b>, the recording head <b>7</b> which emits the ink I stored in the tank <b>5</b> to recording sheet <b>6</b>, a carriage <b>8</b> in which the tank <b>5</b> and the recording head <b>7</b> are mounted and which is movable in two linear directions, a carriage shaft <b>9</b> which is a guide by which the carriage <b>8</b> moves in the two linear directions, a transport mechanism <b>10</b> which transports the recording sheet <b>6</b>, and a purge device <b>11</b>.

0052The mounting part <b>3</b> is composed of a base part <b>3</b><i>a </i>that is sandwiched by a guide part <b>3</b><i>b </i>which is set on both sides of the base part <b>3</b><i>a</i>. A hollow ink extracting tube <b>12</b> extracts the ink I stored in the ink cartridge <b>1</b> and a hollow outside air intake tube <b>13</b> introduces outside air to the ink cartridge <b>1</b>. The ink extracting tube <b>12</b> and the air intake tube <b>13</b> are examples of extract components.

0053The ink supply tube <b>4</b> is connected with one end side of the ink extracting tube <b>12</b>, and the ink extracting tube <b>12</b> is connected to the tank <b>5</b> via the ink supply tube <b>4</b>. The outside air intake tube <b>15</b> is connected to one end side of the air intake tube <b>13</b>, and the outside air intake tube <b>13</b> is connected to outside air via the outside air intake tube <b>15</b>.

0054The ink cartridge <b>1</b> is mounted from a direction (arrow X direction) perpendicular to the mounting part <b>3</b>. At this time, the ink extracting tube <b>12</b> and the air intake tube <b>13</b> contact a valve member <b>32</b> (see <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>) of the respective valve devices <b>18</b>,<b>19</b> which is provided inside of the ink cartridge <b>1</b>, push the respective valve members <b>32</b> up toward an ink chamber <b>16</b>, and communicate with the inside of ink chamber <b>16</b>.

0055A plurality of nozzle holes are provided in the recording head <b>7</b> on a surface to be opposite the recording sheet <b>6</b>. By driving an actuator composed of piezoelectric elements, the ink I stored in the tank <b>5</b> is emitted from the nozzle holes to the recording sheet <b>6</b>. Furthermore, if a recording operation is actually performed, recording is performed onto the recording sheet <b>6</b> as the carriage <b>8</b>, which mounts the recording head <b>7</b>, moves back and forth.

0056Furthermore, the recording head <b>7</b> is arranged above the mounting part <b>3</b>. A negative pressure (back pressure) is thus given to the ink I within the nozzle holes due to the pressure head difference between the ink cartridge <b>1</b> mounted in the mounting part <b>3</b> and the nozzle holes.

0057A purge device <b>11</b> is outside the recording area and arranged so as to face the recording head <b>7</b>. The purge device <b>11</b> is provided with a purge cap <b>11</b><i>a </i>which covers a nozzle hole formation surface of the recording head <b>7</b>, a waste ink tube <b>11</b><i>b </i>which communicates with the purge cap <b>11</b><i>a</i>, and a pump <b>11</b><i>c </i>which intakes ink from the nozzle holes via the waste ink tube <b>11</b><i>b. </i>

0058When the purge processing is performed, the cartridge <b>8</b> is moved to a purge processing executing position, and the nozzle hole formation surface of the recording head <b>7</b> is covered by the purge cap <b>11</b><i>a</i>. In this state, by driving the pump <b>11</b><i>c</i>, poor ink that includes bubbles, dust or the like remaining inside the recording head <b>7</b> is vacuumed. The poor ink is then stored in an undepicted waste ink tank via the waste ink tube <b>11</b><i>b</i>. The recording operation and the purge process are controlled under a central processing unit (CPU) (not shown) mounted on the inkjet recording apparatus <b>2</b>.

0059The ink cartridge <b>1</b> includes a container wall <b>1</b><i>a </i>in which the upper/lower end surfaces are open, and a lid <b>1</b><i>b </i>which is fixed in order to cover and seal the opening on the top surface of the container wall <b>1</b><i>a</i>. Furthermore, the container wall <b>1</b><i>a </i>and the lid <b>1</b><i>b </i>are formed of a resin material. The ink I to be supplied to the recording head <b>7</b> is stored in the ink chamber <b>16</b> formed inside the ink cartridge <b>1</b> (see <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>).

0060Next, the structure of the ink cartridge <b>1</b>, in particular part A of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, which is installed in the inkjet recording apparatus <b>2</b> is explained with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2 and 3</figref>. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a sectional diagram showing the structure of the ink cartridge before the ink cartridge is loaded into the inkjet recording apparatus and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is an oblique perspective view that illustrates the enlarged valve member.

0061As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, a partition wall <b>1</b><i>c </i>divides the inside of the ink cartridge <b>1</b> into two spaces and is formed integrally with the container wall <b>1</b><i>a</i>. Within these two spaces, the space between the partition wall <b>1</b><i>c </i>and the top opening covered by the lid <b>1</b><i>b </i>(i.e., the top half) is formed as the ink chamber <b>16</b> which stores ink, and the space between the partition wall <b>1</b><i>c </i>and the lower opening (i.e., the bottom half) is formed as a second chamber <b>17</b>.

0062An ink supply port <b>21</b> for communicating with the ink chamber <b>16</b> and the second chamber <b>17</b> is formed in the partition wall <b>1</b><i>c</i>. A thin film member <b>31</b>, which can be broken when the ink supply port <b>21</b> is closed, is formed of a resin material integrated with the container wall <b>1</b><i>a </i>at the lower end portion of a cylindrical wall <b>22</b> which extends from the partition wall <b>1</b><i>c </i>and surrounds the ink supply port <b>21</b>. Furthermore, an air intake opening <b>26</b> for communicating with the ink chamber <b>16</b> and the second chamber <b>17</b> is formed in the partition wall <b>1</b><i>c</i>, and a thin film member <b>51</b> which can be broken when the air intake opening <b>26</b> is closed is formed of a resin material integrated to the container wall <b>1</b><i>a </i>at the lower end portion of a cylindrical wall <b>24</b> which depends from the partition wall <b>1</b><i>c </i>and surrounds the air intake opening <b>26</b>. Thus, when the ink cartridge <b>1</b> is transported, the ink chamber <b>16</b> is sealed by the thin film members <b>31</b>,<b>51</b>, and it is possible to prevent the ink within the ink chamber <b>16</b> from leaking to the second chamber <b>17</b> via the ink supply port <b>21</b> and the air intake opening <b>26</b>.

0063Furthermore, a barrel member <b>25</b> is arranged so as to protrude into the ink chamber <b>16</b> from the air intake opening <b>26</b>. Outside air is introduced to the upper part of the ink chamber <b>16</b> via the air intake opening <b>26</b> and the barrel member <b>25</b>.

0064On the partition wall <b>1</b><i>c</i>, a barrel-shaped body <b>30</b> as an example of a communication chamber, which extends toward the opening of the second chamber <b>17</b>, is connected and formed so as to protrude into the second chamber <b>17</b> from the partition wall <b>1</b><i>c </i>and surround the cylindrical wall <b>22</b>. In addition, on the partition wall <b>1</b><i>c</i>, a second barrel-shaped body <b>50</b> as an example of a communication chamber, which extends toward the opening of the second chamber <b>17</b>, is connected and formed so as to protrude into the second chamber <b>17</b> from the partition wall <b>1</b><i>c </i>and surround the cylindrical wall <b>24</b>.

0065To make the space between a later-described pointed part <b>72</b> and the film member <b>51</b> smaller than the space between the pointed part <b>72</b> and the film member <b>31</b>, the cylindrical walls <b>22</b> and <b>24</b> are formed such that the amount that the cylindrical wall <b>24</b> extends from the partition wall <b>1</b><i>c </i>is larger than the amount that the cylindrical wall <b>22</b> extends from the partition wall <b>1</b><i>c. </i>

0066The valve device <b>18</b> is fixed inside the barrel-shaped body <b>30</b> and the valve device <b>19</b> is fixed inside the second barrel-shaped body <b>50</b>. The valve devices <b>18</b>,<b>19</b> can selectively communicate between the inside and the outside of the ink chamber <b>16</b> and cut off communication between the inside and the outside of the ink chamber <b>16</b>.

0067Here, the valve device <b>18</b> is explained. The valve device <b>19</b>, which is fixed to the second barrel-shaped body <b>50</b>, has the same shape as the valve device <b>18</b>. As such, only a detailed explanation of the valve device <b>18</b> will be provided.

0068The valve device <b>18</b> is provided with a support member <b>46</b> which is integrally manufactured by a rubber elastic member and the valve member <b>32</b> composed of a resin material. The support member <b>46</b> has a substantially cylindrical shape and is integrally molded and includes a valve seat part <b>46</b><i>a </i>in the intermediate part in the axial direction, an urging part <b>46</b><i>b </i>that is closer to the ink chamber <b>16</b> than the valve seat part <b>46</b><i>a</i>, a cylindrical part <b>35</b> which extends from the valve seat part <b>46</b><i>a </i>toward a side opposite the urging part <b>46</b><i>b</i>, and an outer circumferential wall <b>33</b> which extends parallel to, and is spaced from, the outer circumference of the cylindrical part <b>35</b>. In other words, the valve seat part <b>46</b><i>a </i>and the urging part <b>46</b><i>b </i>are integrally formed as a one-piece member. The valve member <b>32</b> is housed within the urging part <b>46</b><i>b</i>, and is urged by the urging part <b>46</b><i>b </i>toward the valve seat part <b>46</b><i>a. </i>

0069The valve device <b>18</b> has a positioning part <b>33</b><i>a </i>which protrudes from the outer circumferential wall <b>33</b> to an outer circumferential external direction towards the barrel-shaped body <b>30</b>. The barrel-shaped body <b>30</b> is formed so that a part of the barrel-shaped body <b>30</b> has a smaller external diameter than that of the positioning part <b>33</b><i>a</i>. A step-shape is thus formed in the barrel-shaped body <b>30</b> that contacts the positioning part <b>33</b><i>a. </i>

0070As shown in the enlarged diagram in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> in which the fixed parts of the valve device <b>18</b> and the barrel-shaped body <b>30</b> are enlarged, the barrel-shaped body <b>30</b> has a surface <b>44</b> with the diameter becoming larger in tiers outwardly in order to contain the positioning part <b>33</b><i>a</i>. A projection <b>43</b> is formed on the surface <b>44</b> and is above the positioning part <b>33</b><i>a</i>. A holding wall <b>42</b> is also provided and projects inwardly around the opening of the barrel-shaped body <b>30</b> of the container wall <b>1</b><i>a</i>. When the valve device <b>18</b> is inserted into the barrel-shaped body <b>30</b>, the holding wall <b>42</b> holds and presses the positioning part <b>33</b><i>a </i>into the projection <b>43</b> while being deformed and bent by heat. The combination of the holding wall <b>42</b> and the projection <b>43</b> thus fixes and seals the valve device <b>18</b> relative to the barrel-shaped body <b>30</b>. By doing so, ink is prevented from flowing out from the space formed between the external wall of the valve device <b>18</b> and the inner wall of the barrel-shaped body <b>30</b>.

0071The valve seat part <b>46</b><i>a </i>has an opening <b>41</b> which goes through the center in the axial direction. When the ink cartridge <b>1</b> is mounted to the inkjet recording apparatus <b>2</b>, the cylindrical part <b>35</b> seals the ink extracting tube <b>25</b> inserted therein. The cylindrical part <b>35</b> is provided with an introducing path <b>40</b> in which the ink extracting tube <b>12</b>, which is protruding from the inkjet recording apparatus <b>2</b>, is inserted. The cylindrical part <b>35</b>, as an example of an inner peripheral wall, is integrally connected with the valve seat part <b>46</b><i>a </i>in a state in which the introducing path <b>40</b> is connected to the opening <b>41</b>. The valve member <b>32</b> contacting the valve seat part <b>46</b><i>a </i>is exposed to the outside through the opening <b>41</b> and the introducing path <b>40</b>, and faces the ink extracting tube <b>12</b> inserted therein. The introducing path <b>40</b> is formed smaller than the outer diameter of the ink extracting tube <b>12</b> so as to closely fit to the inserted ink extracting tube <b>12</b>. The opening <b>41</b> is formed larger than the outer diameter of the ink extracting tube <b>12</b>. An end of the introducing path <b>40</b>, from which the ink extracting tube <b>12</b> is inserted, is formed in a tapered shape in which the diameter increases towards the outside.

0072The cylindrical part <b>35</b> and the outer circumferential wall <b>33</b>, as an example of an outer peripheral wall, are separated by a predetermined distance by a ring-shaped groove <b>34</b>. The cylindrical part <b>35</b> is made elastically deformable in a plane perpendicular to the direction of the center axis of the introducing path <b>40</b> with respect to the outer circumferential wall <b>33</b>. As a result, it is easy to expand the cylindrical part <b>35</b> in accordance (in the Y direction in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>) with the insertion of the ink extracting tube <b>12</b> into the introducing path <b>40</b>, such that the fit between the introducing path <b>40</b> and the ink extracting tube <b>12</b> is improved. Leakage of the ink is thereby prevented. In addition, even if the ink extracting tube <b>12</b> is inserted diagonally or offset to the introducing path <b>40</b>, the ink extracting tube <b>12</b> can be inserted to the introducing path <b>40</b> due to the deformation of the cylindrical part <b>35</b>. Furthermore, in accordance with the insertion of the ink extracting tube <b>12</b> to the introducing path <b>40</b>, the inner wall part of the introducing path <b>40</b> is slightly pushed toward the valve member <b>32</b> and thus elastically deforms. However, such deformation is absorbed in the space in the opening <b>41</b> having a large diameter, and thus, the valve member <b>32</b> is not pushed.

0073Furthermore, the cylindrical part <b>35</b> is formed with a length that cannot reach the lower edge of the outer circumferential wall <b>33</b>. In other words, the edge of the ink extract tube <b>12</b> is inserted. Thus, the remaining ink in the cylindrical part <b>35</b> does not soil the surface of a flat surface when the valve device <b>18</b> is placed on that flat surface.

0074The urging part <b>46</b><i>b </i>is formed by a side wall part <b>36</b> which stands out in a cylindrical shape on the ink chamber <b>16</b> side from the outer circumference of the valve seat part <b>46</b><i>a </i>and a projection part <b>37</b> which extends from the side wall part <b>36</b> and extends inward so as to contact the ink chamber <b>16</b> side of the valve member <b>32</b>. The urging part <b>46</b><i>b </i>is also provided with an opening <b>37</b><i>a </i>in the center of the projection part <b>37</b>. The urging part <b>46</b><i>b </i>urges the valve member <b>32</b> based on the elasticity of the side wall part <b>36</b> and the projection part <b>37</b>. In a normal state before the ink cartridge <b>1</b> is mounted to the inkjet recording apparatus <b>2</b>, the valve member <b>32</b> contacts the valve seat part <b>46</b><i>a</i>. When the ink cartridge <b>1</b> is mounted to the ink jet recording apparatus <b>2</b>, the ink extracting tube <b>12</b> enters the introducing path <b>40</b> and pushes the valve member <b>32</b> up toward the ink chamber <b>16</b> so that the side wall part <b>36</b> is extended, the projection part <b>37</b> is inclined, and a gap for an ink flow path is formed between the valve member <b>32</b> and the valve seat part <b>46</b><i>a. </i>

0075The radial thickness t<b>1</b> (see <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5A</figref>) of the side wall part <b>36</b> (perpendicular to the axial direction mentioned above) is formed thinner than the thickness t<b>2</b> (see <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5A</figref>) of the valve seat part <b>46</b><i>a </i>in the intruding direction of the ink extracting tube <b>12</b> to the introducing path <b>40</b> and the radial thickness of the outer circumferential wall <b>33</b>. For this reason, if the valve member <b>32</b> is pushed up by the ink extracting tube <b>12</b>, the urging part <b>46</b><i>b </i>allows for a larger elastic deformation as compared to the valve seat part <b>46</b><i>a </i>and the outer circumferential wall <b>33</b>, which forms a clearance between the valve member <b>32</b> and the valve seat part <b>46</b><i>a. </i>

0076The valve member <b>32</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is explained next. The valve member <b>32</b> is provided with a bottom part <b>70</b> which contacts the valve seat part <b>46</b><i>a </i>of the support member <b>46</b>, a valve side wall part <b>71</b> which extends in a cylindrical shape toward the ink chamber <b>16</b> from the outer circumference of the bottom part <b>70</b>, and a pointed part <b>72</b>, which projects toward the ink chamber <b>16</b> in the substantially center part of the bottom part <b>70</b>, and on which the tip end on the ink chamber <b>16</b> side is formed in a pointed shape (e.g., an acuminate shape). The pointed part <b>72</b> projects closer to the ink chamber <b>16</b> than the valve side wall part <b>71</b> extends.

0077The bottom part <b>70</b> has a projecting component <b>39</b> (see <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>) which projects toward the valve seat part <b>46</b><i>a </i>and is formed circularly on a surface edge set up against the valve seat part <b>46</b><i>a</i>. The projecting component <b>39</b> is also located inside the valve side wall part <b>71</b> and outside the introducing path <b>40</b>. While the valve member <b>32</b> is contained in the support member <b>46</b>, the valve side wall part <b>71</b> closely contacts the lower surface of the projection part <b>37</b> of the urging part <b>46</b><i>b </i>and is pressed. Due to such pressing, the projecting component <b>39</b> deforms the valve seat part <b>46</b><i>a </i>elastically and closely contacts the upper surface of the valve seat part <b>46</b><i>a. </i>

0078In the bottom part <b>70</b>, circumferentially inward with respect to the valve side wall part <b>71</b> and circumferentially outward with respect to the opening <b>41</b>, a plurality of communication paths <b>38</b> are formed which communicate with the ink chamber <b>16</b> side of the valve member <b>32</b> and the valve seat part of the valve member <b>32</b>. In this example, eight communication paths <b>38</b> are formed, however, the number is not specifically limited and any number can be formed.

0079The pointed part <b>72</b> consists of four plate components <b>73</b><i>a</i>-<b>73</b><i>d </i>which are positioned in the approximate center of the bottom part <b>70</b> and are combined in the form of an approximate cross. The plate components <b>73</b><i>a</i>-<b>73</b><i>d </i>form grooves <b>77</b> extending in parallel and along the axial line between the plate components <b>73</b><i>a</i>-<b>73</b><i>d </i>located next to each other. Each of the plate components <b>73</b><i>a</i>-<b>73</b><i>d </i>are, in the direction to the bottom part <b>70</b> from the tip <b>76</b>, equipped with first slope units <b>74</b><i>a</i>-<b>74</b><i>d </i>which slope at a first angle (for example, approximately “45 degrees” in this example) against the central axial line extending in the same direction and second slope units <b>75</b><i>a</i>-<b>75</b><i>d</i>, next to the first slope units <b>74</b><i>a</i>-<b>74</b><i>d</i>, which have a second angle (for example, approximately “10 degrees” in this example), which is more acute compared to the first angle, in the direction to the bottom part <b>70</b> from the first slope units <b>74</b><i>a</i>-<b>74</b><i>d. </i>

0080The pointed part <b>72</b> projects through the opening <b>37</b><i>a </i>of the projection part <b>37</b> and is positioned opposite the film member <b>31</b> with the tip <b>76</b> spaced at an interval from the film member <b>31</b>. When the ink cartridge <b>1</b> is mounted to the inkjet recording apparatus <b>2</b>, as the ink extracting tube <b>12</b> pushes up the bottom part <b>70</b> of the valve member <b>32</b>, the thin film member <b>31</b> breaks, and an ink flow path is formed which goes through the ink supply port <b>21</b>, the opening <b>37</b><i>a</i>, the communication paths <b>38</b>, and the ink extracting tube <b>12</b>.

0081When the ink cartridge <b>1</b> is detached from the inkjet recording apparatus <b>2</b>, the bottom part <b>70</b> and the valve seat part <b>46</b><i>a </i>are connected by an urging force of the urging part <b>46</b><i>b</i>, and the ink flow path is cut off.

0082Furthermore, when the ink cartridge <b>1</b> is mounted to the inkjet recording apparatus <b>2</b>, an air intake tube <b>13</b>, which is arranged by being protruded from the inkjet recording apparatus <b>2</b>, is inserted into the valve device <b>19</b>. In the same manner as the above-mentioned ink supply, an outside air flow path is formed which goes through the air intake opening <b>26</b>, the opening <b>37</b><i>a</i>, the communication paths <b>38</b>, and the air intake tube <b>13</b>. At approximately the same time, when the ink cartridge <b>1</b> is detached from the inkjet recording apparatus <b>2</b>, an outside air flow path is cut off by the urging force of the urging part <b>46</b><i>b. </i>

0083Next, the ink extract tube <b>12</b> and the air intake tube <b>13</b> are explained by referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is an oblique perspective figure that illustrates the configuration of the neighboring area of the tip part on the side of the ink extract tube <b>12</b>. Furthermore, the ink extract tube <b>12</b> and the air intake tube <b>13</b> are structured in the same configuration and dimensions, and therefore, the explanations are made about the ink extract tube <b>12</b> and the explanations about the air intake tube <b>13</b> are omitted.

0084The edge of the tip of the ink extract tube <b>12</b> on the side of the valve member <b>32</b> is open, and a contact section with the valve member <b>32</b> consists of end sections <b>80</b><i>a</i>-<b>80</b><i>d </i>formed on the approximate plane. And the communicating passages <b>81</b><i>a</i>-<b>81</b><i>d </i>are formed in the shape of grooves cut on the external wall of the ink extract tube <b>12</b>. These communicating passages <b>81</b><i>a</i>-<b>81</b><i>d </i>are formed at approximately even intervals on the external wall of the ink extract tube <b>12</b>. Note that in this example, four communicating passages <b>81</b><i>a</i>-<b>81</b><i>d </i>are formed however, any number can be formed.

0085The ink extract tube <b>12</b> has the end sections <b>80</b><i>a</i>-<b>80</b><i>d </i>formed on the approximate plane, and can press the contact surface of the valve member <b>32</b> approximately evenly when it contacts with the valve member <b>32</b>. Therefore, tilting of the valve member <b>32</b> is avoided and the valve member <b>32</b> can constantly maintain the ink passage at a certain level. The communicating passages <b>81</b><i>a</i>-<b>81</b><i>d </i>are cut and are formed such that even if the ink extract tube <b>12</b> is in contact with the valve member <b>32</b>, the passage of the ink through the communicating passages <b>81</b><i>a</i>-<b>81</b><i>d </i>can be reliably obtained.

0086Furthermore, since the tip of the ink extract tube <b>12</b> is formed on the approximate plane, even if the ink extract tube <b>12</b> is installed in a projected state from the installation unit <b>3</b>, the user will not be hurt by touching the ink extract tube <b>12</b> because the tip is no longer formed in an acuminate shape as before.

0087The valve device <b>19</b>, positioned in the second barrel-shaped body <b>50</b> on the side of the air intake, uses exactly the same components as the valve device <b>18</b> on the side of ink supply mentioned above, fixed in a similar way. Each part of the air intake tube <b>12</b> is in a similar dimensional relationship to that of the air intake tube <b>13</b>, and therefore, detailed explanations are omitted.

0088Here, the motion of the valve device <b>18</b>, when the ink cartridge <b>1</b> is loaded into the inkjet recording apparatus <b>2</b>, is explained by referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 5A and 5B</figref>. When the ink cartridge <b>1</b> is loaded into the mounting part <b>3</b>, the ink extract tube <b>12</b> intrudes into the introducing path <b>40</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5A</figref>), and closely contacts the inside of the introducing path <b>40</b> in a state that blocks the outflow of the ink. When the ink extract tube <b>12</b> and the valve member <b>32</b> contact each other and the valve member <b>32</b> is pushed towards the ink chamber <b>16</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5B</figref>), the valve member <b>32</b> is separated from the valve seat part <b>46</b><i>a </i>by resisting the elasticity of the urging part <b>46</b><i>b</i>. In addition, when the valve member <b>32</b> is pushed up, the tip <b>76</b> of the pointed part <b>72</b> contacts the film member <b>31</b> and ruptures the film member <b>31</b>. As a result, the ink in the ink chamber <b>16</b> is supplied to the barrel-shaped body <b>30</b>, when the ink enters into the opening <b>37</b><i>a </i>at the top end of the valve device <b>18</b>, passes through the communication paths <b>38</b> of the valve member <b>32</b>, between the lower surface of the valve member <b>32</b> and the upper surface of the valve seat part <b>46</b><i>a</i>, into the communicating passages <b>81</b><i>a</i>-<b>81</b><i>d </i>of the ink extract tube <b>12</b> (the ink passage B), and is supplied to the recording head <b>7</b>. As for the motion of the pointed part <b>72</b> to rupture the film member <b>31</b>, further explanations are given below.

0089At approximately the same time when the ink extract tube <b>12</b> mentioned above intrudes, the air intake tube <b>13</b> enters into the valve device <b>19</b> on the side of second barrel-shaped body <b>50</b> and pushes up the valve member <b>32</b>. Since the space between the film member <b>51</b> and the tip <b>76</b> of the pointed part <b>72</b> is smaller than the space between the film member <b>31</b> and the tip <b>76</b> of the pointed part <b>72</b>, the thin film <b>51</b> is ruptured first as compared to the film member <b>31</b> on the side of the ink extract tube <b>12</b>. In general, the ink cartridge <b>1</b> is packed in a decompressed state in order to keep the ink in the ink cartridge <b>1</b> in a deaerated state and the ink chamber <b>16</b> under a reduced pressure as well. As mentioned above, by rupturing the film member <b>51</b> on the side of the air intake tube <b>13</b> quickly, the film member <b>31</b> on the side of the ink extract tube <b>12</b> is ruptured after the air is led to the upper part of the ink chamber <b>16</b> through the barrel member <b>25</b>. The supply of the ink to the ink extract tube <b>12</b> is thus ensured. If the film member <b>31</b> on the side of the ink extract tube <b>12</b> is ruptured too early, the air enters into the ink passage of the ink extract tube <b>12</b> which prevents a smooth supply of the ink.

0090When the ink cartridge <b>1</b> is pulled up from the installation unit <b>3</b> in order to remove the loaded ink cartridge <b>1</b> from the inkjet recording apparatus <b>2</b>, the ink extract tube <b>12</b> and the air intake tube <b>13</b> are separated from each of the corresponding valve members <b>32</b>. At the same time, each valve member <b>32</b> returns to a state of closely contacting with the valve seat part <b>46</b><i>a </i>due to the biasing operation of the urging part <b>46</b><i>b</i>. At this point, since the circular projecting component <b>39</b> is installed on the surface set up against the valve seat part <b>46</b><i>a</i>, the ink chamber <b>16</b> is reliably sealed in order to prevent ink from leaking. In addition, the ink I remaining near the opening <b>41</b> of the valve seat part <b>46</b><i>a </i>on the side of the ink extract tube <b>12</b> is maintained at that position forming a meniscus and does not leak outside since the atmospheric pressure does not apply to the ink on the upper side because the upper part is blocked by the valve member <b>32</b> and the diameter of the introducing path <b>40</b> is small (approximately 2 mm in diameter).

0091Next, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 6A-6F</figref> show how the film member <b>31</b> is ruptured by the pointed part <b>72</b>. The film member <b>51</b> is ruptured in the same manner as the film member <b>31</b>, and therefore, such explanations are omitted.

0092<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6A</figref> shows the state where the pointed part <b>72</b> is pushed up together with the valve member <b>32</b> towards the ink chamber <b>16</b> and the tip <b>76</b> closely contacts with the film member <b>31</b>. In this state, the film member <b>31</b> is not ruptured yet (the state of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6D</figref>).

0093<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6B</figref> shows the state where the pointed part <b>72</b> is pushed up further and the film member <b>31</b> is ruptured by the first slope units <b>74</b><i>a</i>-<b>74</b><i>d</i>. The film member <b>31</b> thus only contacts the first slope units <b>74</b><i>a</i>-<b>74</b><i>d </i>of the pointed part <b>72</b>. Since the film member <b>31</b> contacts the first slope units <b>74</b><i>a</i>-<b>74</b><i>d </i>along the upper surface thereof, the groove <b>77</b> is blocked in this state and the passage of the ink is hardly formed (see <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6E</figref>).

0094<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6C</figref> shows the ink cartridge <b>1</b> completely loaded into the inkjet recording apparatus <b>2</b>, and the film member <b>31</b> is pushed and widened by the second slope units <b>75</b><i>a</i>-<b>75</b><i>d </i>of the pointed part <b>72</b>. Because of this, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6F</figref>, the groove <b>77</b> between each plate component <b>73</b><i>a</i>-<b>73</b><i>d </i>is released and the ink passage C connecting the ink chamber <b>16</b> and the ink extract tube <b>12</b> is formed. The ink passage C is also formed at approximately even intervals around the circumference of the pointed part <b>72</b>. It is thus possible to supply the ink to the ink extract tube <b>12</b> almost evenly.

0095When the film member <b>31</b> is pushed and widened by the second slope units <b>75</b><i>a</i>-<b>75</b><i>d </i>instead of the first slope units <b>74</b><i>a</i>-<b>74</b><i>d</i>, the curving angle of the ruptured part of the film member <b>31</b> changes and the ruptured part is separated from the groove <b>77</b> between the plate components <b>73</b><i>a</i>-<b>73</b><i>d</i>, and the ink passage is formed as mentioned above. Furthermore, since the amount of contact between the film member <b>31</b> and the plate components <b>73</b><i>a</i>-<b>73</b><i>d </i>becomes lower, when the ink cartridge <b>1</b> is removed, the pointed part <b>72</b> and the film member <b>31</b> are reliably separated by the biasing of the urging part <b>46</b><i>b. </i>

0096As explained above, based on the ink cartridge mentioned above, the valve member <b>32</b> which has a pointed part <b>72</b> with the tip formed in an acuminate shape to rupture the film member <b>31</b> is retained by the support member <b>46</b>, and such support member <b>46</b> is fixed in the barrel-shaped body <b>30</b>. Because of this, when the ink cartridge <b>1</b> is loaded into the inkjet recording apparatus <b>2</b>, the valve member <b>32</b> is pushed up towards the ink chamber <b>16</b> by the ink extract tube <b>12</b>. At the same time, the film member <b>31</b> is ruptured and the ink passages B and C, which connect the ink chamber <b>16</b> and the ink extract tube <b>12</b>, are formed. Therefore, it is not necessary to form the tip of the ink extract tube <b>12</b> in an acuminate shape, which can prevent the user from being hurt by the ink extract tube <b>12</b> and thus, can further improve the safety.

0097Furthermore, since it is not necessary to form the tip of the ink extract tube <b>12</b> in an acuminate shape, it is also not necessary to newly position a preventative device that covers the ink extract tube <b>12</b>. It is thus possible to prevent the inkjet recording apparatus from becoming large-scaled and at the same time, since the number of components does not increase, an increase in production cost can be prevented.

0098This invention has been explained based on the examples as mentioned above. However, this invention is not limited to the examples explained above and it can be easily assumed that various improvements and modifications are possible.

0099For example, in the above examples, the outside dimensions of the valve devices <b>18</b> and <b>19</b> are set a little smaller than the inside dimensions of the barrel-shaped bodies <b>30</b> and <b>50</b>, and they are fixed by being pressed by the holding wall <b>42</b>. However, it is acceptable to make the outside dimensions of the valve devices <b>18</b> and <b>19</b> a little bigger than the inside dimensions of the barrel-shaped bodies <b>30</b> and <b>50</b> and fix them by pushing the valve devices <b>18</b> and <b>19</b> into the barrel-shaped bodies <b>30</b>,<b>50</b>.

0100And also, in the examples mentioned above, the communicating passages <b>81</b><i>a</i>-<b>81</b><i>d </i>are formed by cutting the ink extract tube <b>12</b> and the air intake tube <b>13</b> including the tip on the side of the ink chamber <b>16</b>. However, it is acceptable to form the communicating passages <b>81</b><i>a</i>-<b>81</b><i>d </i>communicating with the inside and the outside on the side wall of the ink extract tube <b>12</b> and the air intake tube <b>13</b>.

0101Furthermore, in the examples mentioned above, the valve member <b>32</b> is formed as a unit with the pointed part <b>72</b> with the tip formed in an acuminate shape, the bottom part <b>70</b> and the valve side wall part <b>71</b>. However, it is acceptable to form the breaking unit to rupture the film component and the valve which communicate and block off the ink chamber <b>16</b> side and the outer side of the container wall <b>1</b><i>a </i>separately.

0102<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> illustrates an ink cartridge according to a second embodiment of the invention. It is noted that elements similar to or identical with those in the first embodiment are designated by similar numerals, and thus the description thereof can be omitted for the sake of brevity.

0103The ink cartridge <b>1</b> of the second embodiment includes the ink chamber <b>16</b> with an open top, the container wall <b>1</b><i>a</i>, and a cover <b>1</b><i>f </i>that covers the floor area <b>1</b><i>e</i>. The ink cartridge <b>1</b> also includes two walls <b>1</b><i>g </i>and <b>1</b><i>h </i>that form the barrel-shaped bodies <b>30</b> and <b>50</b> which are open downward. The valve device <b>18</b> is placed in the barrel-shaped body <b>30</b> and the valve device <b>19</b> is placed in the barrel-shaped body <b>50</b>. The valve device <b>18</b> and the valve device <b>19</b> are identical and when they are attached to the inkjet recording device, the ink extracting tube <b>12</b> is inserted into the barrel-shaped body <b>30</b> and the air intake tube <b>13</b> is inserted into the barrel-shaped body <b>50</b>.

0104Similar to the first embodiment, the valve device <b>18</b> and <b>19</b> have the support member <b>46</b> made of rubber-like flexible part material and the valve member <b>32</b> is made of resin. The support member <b>46</b> has basically the same structure as the support member <b>46</b> of the first embodiment, but the outer circumferential wall <b>33</b> does not extend as far as the cylindrical part <b>35</b> in the first embodiment. The outer circumferential wall <b>33</b> and positioning part <b>33</b><i>a </i>are both formed almost at the same level as the valve seat part <b>46</b><i>a</i>. The positioning part <b>33</b><i>a </i>is fixed at the lower end of cylinder shape walls <b>1</b><i>g </i>and <b>1</b><i>h</i>, between the surface <b>44</b> that is formed as a part of the barrel-shaped bodies <b>30</b> and <b>50</b> and cover <b>1</b><i>f</i>. With this arrangement, the valve devices <b>18</b> and <b>19</b> are fixed on the container wall <b>1</b><i>a. </i>

0105<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 8A-8E</figref> show the details of the valve member <b>32</b>. The valve member <b>32</b> consists of the bottom part <b>70</b> and the valve side wall part <b>71</b> which extends vertically from the external circumference of the bottom part <b>70</b>. The communication paths <b>38</b> are formed in the external circumference of the bottom part <b>70</b> and in the valve side wall part <b>71</b> contiguously at a plurality of positions. At one side of each of the communication paths <b>38</b>, a protruding part <b>59</b> with a substantially rectangular shape rises at a right angle out of the bottom part <b>70</b> with one side of the protruding part <b>59</b> touching the valve side wall part <b>71</b>. If the opening part of the communications paths <b>38</b> has a round shape, the round shape prevents smooth ink flow because the round shape tends to form a meniscus due to the surface tension of the ink. In order to avoid the formation of meniscus, the opening part may not have a round shape. Another effective method is to use multiple surfaces for the opening areas.

0106The ridge line of the communication paths <b>38</b> as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8C</figref> is formed in an arc shape and also covers two surfaces that cross at a right angle with the bottom part <b>70</b> and the valve side wall part <b>71</b>.

0107Moreover, the rectangular projection part <b>59</b> is formed along one of the ridge lines of the communication paths <b>38</b>, rising vertically out of the opening part of the linked communication paths <b>38</b>. Therefore the opening part of the communication paths <b>38</b> consists of the surface formed of the protruding part <b>59</b>, the surface formed by the bottom part <b>70</b>, and the surface formed by the valve side wall part <b>71</b>. With this structure, the opening part becomes complex and thus prevents the formation of a meniscus. Where the bottom part <b>70</b> touches the valve seat part <b>46</b><i>a</i>, the projecting component <b>39</b> is formed in a ring-shape at an area closer to the center of the bottom part <b>70</b> than the communication paths <b>38</b> but external to the opening <b>41</b>. When the valve member <b>32</b> is closed, the valve member <b>32</b> presses against the valve seat part <b>46</b><i>a. </i>

0108In the second embodiment, the air intake opening <b>26</b> includes a tapered portion above the barrel-shaped body <b>50</b>. A barrel member <b>25</b> extends from the tapered portion at the floor <b>1</b><i>e </i>toward an upper end of the cartridge <b>1</b>. The barrel member <b>25</b> includes an opening <b>91</b> at an upper end. When the cartridge <b>1</b> is filled with ink and situated in an upright alignment, the opening <b>91</b> is positioned above the ink surface level in the ink chamber <b>16</b>. In various exemplary embodiments, an upper face <b>95</b> of the barrel member <b>25</b>, including the opening <b>91</b>, is inclined or slanted with respect to horizontal. In some such embodiments, the upper face <b>95</b> has a stepped configuration, such that the upper face <b>95</b> includes multiple surfaces, the surfaces defining at least two different planes. As a result of the slant or inclination of the upper face <b>95</b> of the barrel member <b>25</b>, a cross sectional area of the opening <b>91</b> of the barrel member <b>25</b> taken at the slanted or inclined upper face <b>95</b> is greater than a horizontal cross sectional area of an interior portion <b>93</b> of the barrel member <b>25</b>. In addition, a horizontal diameter of the interior portion <b>93</b> of the barrel member <b>25</b> is preferably at least about 0.8 mm.

0109The slanted, inclined or stepped configuration of the opening <b>91</b> of the barrel member <b>25</b>, as well as the diameter of the interior portion <b>93</b> of the barrel member <b>25</b>, prevent an ink meniscus from forming in the event that ink from the ink chamber <b>16</b> contacts the opening <b>91</b>, if, for example, the cartridge <b>1</b> is positioned other than in an upright alignment. It is advantageous to prevent formation of such an ink meniscus in the opening <b>91</b>, because, if an ink meniscus is formed, the process of supplying ink during operation of the image recording apparatus <b>2</b> will cause the meniscus to repeatedly break and reform. This breaking and reforming of the meniscus results in a repeating variation of an internal pressure of the cartridge <b>1</b>. Such variation can adversely affect print quality.

0110In various exemplary embodiments, the barrel member <b>25</b> is formed integrally with the remainder of the ink chamber <b>16</b>. Such an integral structure obviates the necessity for multiple manufacturing steps to form and join the ink chamber <b>16</b> and the barrel member <b>25</b>. Accordingly, the time and cost necessary to manufacture cartridges, such as disclosed herein, are reduced.

0111The ink supply port <b>21</b> at the ink supply side has the anti-counter flow valve <b>60</b>. The anti-counter flow valve <b>60</b> consists of an umbrella shaped flexible membrane part <b>60</b><i>b </i>that faces the lower surface of the ink supply port <b>21</b> and a spindle part <b>60</b><i>c </i>that supports one end of the membrane part <b>60</b><i>b</i>. Both the membrane part <b>60</b><i>b </i>and the spindle part <b>60</b><i>c </i>are formed into one shape using synthesized resin material. The spindle part <b>60</b><i>c </i>is inserted through the ink supply port <b>21</b> so that the flow valve <b>60</b> can slide up and down. Normally, the membrane part <b>60</b><i>b </i>is positioned at a distance from the ink supply port <b>21</b>, and an extended part <b>60</b><i>a </i>touches the top surface of the floor wall <b>1</b><i>e</i>. Ink is thus allowed to smoothly flow from the ink chamber <b>16</b> toward the valve device <b>18</b>. When ink starts to flow from the ink extraction tube <b>12</b> toward the ink chamber <b>16</b>, the membrane <b>60</b><i>b </i>will rise and block the ink supply port <b>21</b> and thus stop the flow of ink.

0112As described earlier, the ink chamber <b>16</b> is packaged at reduced pressure. As such, when the ink cartridge <b>1</b> is attached to the inkjet recording device <b>2</b>, if the valve device <b>18</b> is opened before the valve device <b>19</b>, it is possible that ink already present in the ink extract tube <b>12</b> will flow from the ink extract tube <b>12</b> toward the ink chamber <b>16</b>. Such flow of ink toward the ink chamber <b>16</b> will also draw ink present in the recording head <b>7</b>, to which the ink extract tube <b>12</b> is connected, toward the ink chamber <b>16</b>. Drawing ink present in the recording head <b>7</b> toward the ink chamber <b>16</b> can disrupt ink meniscuses present in nozzle holes of the recording head <b>7</b>. Disruption of the meniscuses can adversely affect print quality. If the valve device <b>18</b> is opened before the valve device <b>19</b> when air is present in the ink extract tube <b>12</b>, such air may flow from the ink extract tube <b>12</b> toward, and possibly into, the ink chamber <b>16</b>. Such flow of air into the ink chamber <b>16</b> will adversely affect the deaerated state of the ink present therein possibly reducing print quality. To prevent such backflow of air or ink, the anti-counter flow valve <b>60</b> is used.

0113At the time of attachment, when the ink cartridge <b>1</b> is mounted on the mounting part <b>3</b>, the ink extracting tube <b>12</b> is inserted into the introducing path <b>40</b> and pushes the valve member <b>32</b> upward. The valve member <b>32</b> in turn pushes the projection part <b>37</b> of the urging part <b>46</b><i>b </i>upward, and subsequently the side wall part <b>36</b> extends and the valve member <b>32</b> detaches from the valve seat part <b>46</b><i>a</i>. As a result, the ink in the ink chamber <b>16</b> is supplied to the ink extracting tube <b>12</b> through the communication paths <b>38</b> of the valve member <b>32</b> and the communicating passages <b>81</b><i>a</i>-<b>81</b><i>d </i>of the ink extract tube <b>12</b>. At the same time, the air intake tube <b>13</b> is connected with barrel-shaped body <b>50</b>, letting the outside air flow into the ink chamber.

0114Unlike the first embodiment, film members <b>31</b>,<b>51</b> are not used and accordingly a pointed part <b>72</b> is not used to rupture the film members <b>31</b>,<b>51</b>. As such, when the valve member <b>32</b> is pushed up, ink exists in the barrel shaped bodies <b>30</b>,<b>50</b>. However, since the circular projecting component <b>39</b> is urged against the valve seat part <b>46</b><i>a </i>by the projection part <b>37</b>, the ink chamber <b>16</b> and the top of the barrel shaped bodies <b>30</b>,<b>50</b> are reliably sealed in order to prevent ink from leaking.

0115<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 9A and 9B</figref> show a variation of the valve member <b>32</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>. As noted above, when the ink cartridge <b>1</b> is installed on the mounting part <b>3</b>, the ink extracting tube <b>12</b> and air intake tube <b>13</b> push the valve member <b>32</b> upward, and the valve member <b>32</b> in turn pushes the projection part <b>37</b> of the urging part <b>46</b><i>b </i>installed in the support member <b>46</b>.

0116On the other hand, because there are disparities in the length of the ink extracting tube <b>12</b> and the air intake tube <b>13</b>, and there are also disparities in distance from the bottom of the ink cartridge <b>1</b> to the valve member <b>32</b> depending on many other parts. The overall disparity can thus become relatively large. When the disparity is large, and when the ink cartridge <b>1</b> is installed to the mounting part <b>3</b>, the valve member <b>32</b> may be pushed up close to the opening <b>37</b><i>a </i>of the projection part <b>37</b> and may be caught by the opening <b>37</b><i>a</i>. When the ink cartridge <b>1</b> is detached from the mounting part <b>3</b> at this state, the valve member <b>32</b> is not in contact with the valve seat part <b>46</b><i>a</i>, thus causing the ink to leak.

0117In order to prevent this, in this variation, several pointed projections <b>71</b><i>a </i>are attached to the valve side wall <b>71</b> of the valve member <b>32</b> as shown in the <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref>, so that the function between the top of the valve side wall <b>71</b> and the projection part <b>37</b> is increased and they remain attached even if the urging part <b>46</b><i>b </i>is extended.

0118<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> shows a ring-shaped projection <b>37</b><i>b </i>on the projection part <b>37</b> of the support member <b>46</b>, which is added to achieve the same effect as noted above. This ring-shaped projection <b>37</b><i>b </i>is attached to circular valve side wall <b>71</b> of the valve member <b>32</b>.

0119Based on these structures, and by adding the matching concave or convex parts on the valve member <b>32</b> and the projection part <b>37</b>, both parts are prevented from making corresponding circular movements, thus preventing the valve member <b>32</b> from not returning to the closed position.

0120<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 11A and 11B</figref> are cross-sections of the ink cartridge <b>1</b> and the mounting part <b>3</b> of the third embodiment. In this embodiment, the valve device <b>19</b> and the mounting part <b>3</b> of the ink jet recording device <b>2</b> differ from the second embodiment shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>. Since the valve device <b>18</b> is the same, the explanation of the valve device <b>18</b> is omitted.

0121The valve device <b>19</b> is equipped with the support member <b>46</b> and the valve member <b>32</b>. The support member <b>46</b> is assembled using a rubber-like elastic material just as the support member <b>46</b> in the first and second embodiments, and is equipped with the valve seat part <b>46</b><i>a </i>and an urging part <b>46</b><i>b </i>on the top part. The structures of these parts are identical with the valve seat part <b>46</b><i>a </i>and the urging part <b>46</b><i>b </i>of the first and second embodiments.

0122In the middle of the valve seat part <b>46</b><i>a</i>, the opening <b>41</b> is formed to expose the center of the valve member <b>32</b> to the outside and, in the lower portion, a sealing part <b>63</b> which surrounds the opening <b>41</b> is projected toward the opposite side of the urging part <b>46</b><i>b. </i>

0123In the embodiments, the distance F from the bottom wall of the cover <b>1</b><i>f </i>and a contact point of the valve member <b>32</b> and the valve seat part <b>46</b><i>a </i>is 4.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance F is less than about 4.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance F is about 4.5 mm. In further embodiments, the distance F can vary from 4.5 mm by ±0.5 mm or ±1 mm.

0124<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> shows the detail of the valve member <b>32</b>. Just as the valve member shown in the <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>, the valve member <b>32</b> is equipped with a valve <b>68</b> consisting of the bottom part <b>70</b> and the valve side wall part <b>71</b>. The explanation of the detailed construction including communication paths <b>38</b> and projecting part <b>59</b> is omitted since they are explained in reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 8A-8E</figref>.

0125In this example, the bottom part <b>70</b> is attached with a cylindrical part <b>66</b> which stands vertically from the top surface. When the ink cartridge <b>1</b> is installed on the mounting part <b>3</b> in a normal manner and the valve member <b>32</b> is pushed upward from the valve seat part <b>46</b><i>a</i>, the top edge of the cylindrical part <b>66</b> is positioned apart from the inside surface of the barrel member <b>25</b> and thus the through-pass between the ink chamber <b>16</b> and the opening <b>41</b> of the valve seat part <b>46</b><i>a </i>is secured.

0126The bottom part <b>70</b> is attached with the operating member <b>67</b> which extends vertically from the opening <b>41</b> on the side being exposed. Several concave portions <b>67</b><i>a </i>and convex portions <b>67</b><i>b </i>are formed on the outer circumference of the operating member <b>67</b>, which extend along the direction of the axis. This configuration, in which the operating member <b>67</b> is attached to, or formed integrally with, the valve member <b>32</b>, provides distinct advantages over arrangements in which the operating member <b>67</b> is separate from the valve member <b>32</b>. For example, in order for an operating member <b>32</b> to operate a valve, the operating member must be positioned in cooperation with the valve member <b>32</b>. In configurations in which the operating member <b>67</b> is separate form the valve member <b>32</b>, the position of the operating member <b>67</b> with respect to the valve member <b>32</b> must be carefully controlled because misalignment of the operating member <b>67</b> with respect to the valve member <b>32</b> could result in leakage and/or damage to the valve member <b>32</b>. Such control is not necessary in configurations in which the operating member <b>67</b> is attached to, or formed integrally with, the valve member <b>32</b>.

0127Moreover, in an apparatus including two or more valves (e.g., an ink cartridge with an air valve and an ink valve) that is used with a device (e.g., an image forming device) that communicates with the valves, it may be advantageous to provide valves of different types—that is, one or more valves can be provided having a configuration in which an operating member is attached to a valve member and one or more valves can be provided having a configuration in which an operating member is not attached to a valve member. In the instance in which a valve is provided having a configuration in which an operating member is not attached to a valve member, the operating member could be attached to the device at a specified location. As at least one of the valves includes an attached operating member, that valve would not be able to communicate with the device at the specified location because two operating members would be present. Such an arrangement will ensure that when the apparatus is installed in the device, each valve properly communicates with a respective region of the device.

0128<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11A</figref> shows the state prior to the installation of the ink cartridge <b>1</b> onto the mounting part <b>3</b> of the ink jet recording device <b>2</b>, and the lower edge of the operating member <b>67</b> is made so that it is positioned slightly above the lower edge of the sealing part <b>63</b>. In this state, both the valve member <b>32</b> of valve device <b>18</b> and the valve member <b>32</b> of the valve device <b>19</b> are pressed against the valve seat part <b>46</b><i>a </i>of the support member <b>46</b> and thus each valve device is not released.

0129With respect to the mounting part <b>3</b> of the ink jet recording device <b>2</b>, the ink extracting tube <b>12</b> is projected in the ink supplier part just as the first and second embodiments, and a porous body <b>3</b><i>c </i>such as sponge is attached around the ink extracting tube <b>12</b> so that the leakage of ink will be absorbed. In the outside air intake part, the convex part <b>3</b><i>d </i>is formed in such a way that it corresponds to the sealing part <b>63</b>, and the air intake tube <b>13</b> is attached to the bottom surface of the concave part <b>3</b><i>d. </i>

0130As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11B</figref>, when the ink cartridge <b>1</b> is installed, the tip of the ink extracting tube <b>12</b> pushes the valve member <b>32</b> of the valve device <b>18</b> just as in the first and second embodiments, thus releasing the valve device <b>18</b>.

0131In the outside air intake part, the tip of the operating member <b>67</b> touches the bottom of the concave part <b>3</b><i>d</i>, and the valve seat part <b>46</b><i>a </i>is moved downward while the valve member <b>32</b> is fixed, releasing the valve device. At the same time, the bottom edge of the sealing part <b>63</b> is attached to the bottom of the concave part <b>3</b><i>d</i>, and a passage is formed between the air intake tube <b>13</b> and the ink chamber <b>16</b> through the released valve device <b>19</b>.

0132In the third embodiment, the valve member <b>32</b> equipped with the operating member <b>67</b> is installed only in the valve device <b>19</b>. However, the valve member <b>32</b> equipped with the operating member <b>67</b> may also be installed in the ink supply part so that the ink extracting tube <b>12</b> does not project to the mounting part <b>3</b>.

0133<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref> is a sectional view of the ink cartridge <b>1</b> of a fourth embodiment. In this embodiment, a cover <b>1</b><i>f </i>covers a bottom area of the container wall <b>1</b><i>a </i>of the ink cartridge of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>. The ink cartridge <b>1</b> also includes two walls <b>1</b><i>g </i>and <b>1</b><i>h </i>similar to the ink cartridge <b>1</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> that form the barrel-shaped bodies <b>30</b> and <b>50</b> which are open downward. The valve device <b>18</b> is placed in the barrel-shaped body <b>30</b> and the valve device <b>19</b> is placed in the barrel-shaped body <b>50</b>. The valve device <b>18</b> and the valve device <b>19</b> are identical to the valve devices of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>. Located opposite the positioning parts <b>33</b><i>a </i>of the valve devices <b>18</b> and <b>19</b>, the cover <b>1</b><i>f </i>includes the sealing part <b>63</b> that covers the valve device <b>18</b> and the sealing part <b>64</b> that covers the valve device <b>19</b>.

0134The ink cartridge <b>1</b> also includes an opening <b>86</b> that is formed in the partition wall <b>1</b><i>c </i>that allows ink I to be supplied to the ink chamber <b>16</b> during manufacturing. After the ink has been supplied to the ink chamber <b>16</b> and before the cover <b>1</b><i>f </i>is placed on the container wall <b>1</b><i>a</i>, a stopper <b>88</b> is placed against the partition wall <b>1</b><i>c </i>in order to cover the opening <b>86</b>.

0135An ink detection level device <b>90</b> is located within the ink chamber <b>16</b>. The ink detection level device <b>90</b> includes a support <b>100</b> that extends from the partition wall <b>1</b><i>c</i>, a blocking member <b>92</b> attached to an arm <b>98</b>, a balance member <b>96</b> attached to an opposite end of the arm <b>98</b> and a pivot <b>94</b> attached to the support <b>100</b>.

0136After the ink chamber <b>16</b> is filled with ink I, and when the ink cartridge <b>1</b> is held in an upright position, the blocking member <b>92</b> remains in the projection <b>110</b>. While the blocking member <b>92</b> remains in the projection <b>110</b>, a sensor (not shown) is able to detect the presence of the blocking member <b>92</b> so that a user is informed that the ink chamber <b>16</b> is full.

0137When the ink chamber <b>16</b> is emptied, the arm <b>98</b> rotates via the pivot <b>94</b> such that the balance member <b>96</b> eventually rotates toward and contacts the partition wall <b>1</b><i>c</i>. As such, the blocking member <b>92</b> eventually rotates to a position outside the indicated box area. The sensor is thus able to detect the absence of the blocking member <b>92</b> and inform the user that the ink chamber <b>16</b> is empty.

0138<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 14A-14C</figref> are views of an ink cartridge <b>1</b> according to a fifth embodiment of the invention. In <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 14A-14C</figref>, the exterior structure of the ink cartridge <b>1</b> is shown. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14A</figref> illustrates a side view of the ink cartridge <b>1</b>; <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14B</figref> illustrates an end view of the ink cartridge; and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14C</figref> illustrates a bottom view of the ink cartridge. The external structure of the ink cartridge <b>1</b> can accommodate the internal features of the various other embodiments of ink cartridges described in the present application, e.g., as shown in FIGS. <b>2</b>,<b>7</b>,<b>13</b>, etc.

0139As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 14A-14C</figref>, the ink cartridge <b>1</b> includes a container wall <b>1</b><i>a</i>, a cover <b>1</b><i>b </i>located on top of the container wall <b>1</b><i>a </i>and a bottom portion <b>1</b><i>f </i>located at the bottom of the container wall <b>1</b><i>a. </i>

0140The cover <b>1</b><i>b </i>includes a flat surface <b>1</b><i>j </i>located on top of the container wall <b>1</b><i>a </i>and a protrusion <b>1</b><i>i </i>that extends from the flat surface <b>1</b><i>j </i>so that a user can easily grasp the ink cartridge <b>1</b>. The protrusion <b>1</b><i>i </i>has a tapered shape, such that the length and width of the protrusion is less at its uppermost portion than at its base, which adjoins the flat surface <b>1</b><i>j. </i>

0141The bottom portion if includes, at a right end as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14A</figref>, a lip <b>100</b>. The lip <b>100</b> includes a lowermost surface that protrudes from a bottom surface <b>102</b> of the bottom portion <b>1</b><i>f </i>and is flush with the lowermost surfaces of the sealing part <b>63</b>. The bottom portion <b>1</b><i>f </i>also includes an inclined portion <b>104</b> that inclines upward in relation to an upper flat surface <b>105</b> of the bottom portion <b>1</b><i>f</i>. The bottom portion <b>1</b><i>f </i>further includes a lip <b>112</b> located at the center of the bottom portion <b>1</b><i>f </i>between the surfaces <b>102</b>,<b>105</b>.

0142As shown if <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14B</figref>, the container wall <b>1</b><i>a </i>includes an upper portion <b>106</b> and a lower portion <b>108</b>. The lower portion <b>108</b> includes a container protrusion <b>110</b> extending vertically along and away from an end surface of the container wall <b>1</b><i>a</i>. The container protrusion <b>110</b> is surrounded on either side by canal portions <b>116</b> and <b>118</b>. As should be appreciated, the protrusion <b>110</b> can be located anywhere as long as the protrusion <b>110</b> is located between a light-emitting portion and a light receiving portion of a sensor. Adjacent to a bottom end of the container protrusion <b>110</b> is a bottom portion protrusion <b>111</b>, which extends vertically along and away from an end surface of the bottom portion <b>1</b><i>f. </i>

0143As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14C</figref>, the bottom portion <b>1</b><i>f </i>includes engaging protrusions <b>120</b> and <b>122</b> located at the lip <b>100</b> with a space situated between each the engaging protrusions <b>120</b> and <b>122</b>. As also shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14C</figref>, the bottom portion if includes an opening <b>123</b>, in which an ink port <b>124</b> is provided. The bottom portion further includes an opening <b>125</b>, in which an air communication port <b>126</b> is provided. As such, the ink cartridge <b>1</b> can be securely mounted in an image forming device. The various features shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 14A-14C</figref> and described above, and particularly the position, configuration and size of such features, are provided to ensure stability of the ink cartridge <b>1</b>, when it is installed in an image forming device. Secure installation prevents movement of the cartridge during operation, and thus prevents leakage, introduction of impurities to the cartridge and other events that could ultimately adversely affect print quality.

0144<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 14D-14I</figref> illustrate various dimensions of the ink cartridge <b>1</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 14A-14C</figref>, the various dimensions permitting secure installation of the ink cartridge in an image forming device. It should be appreciated that, in some instances, alternative dimensions are provided. The present inventors have contemplated that in a four-color printing system (e.g., a cyan-magenta-yellow-black (CMYK) color printing system), one color may be used in a greater amount than others, necessitating an alternate cartridge design having greater volume. For example, if all cartridges in a CMYK color printing system were provided having identical volumes, it would be necessary to replace the black cartridge more frequently. Accordingly, alternative dimensions are provided, such that a larger volume cartridge can be provided, while maintaining a size and configuration that permit compact installation in an image forming device, and providing features that allow for secure installation in an image forming device.

0145As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14D</figref>, in the embodiments, the distance X₁from the flat surface <b>1</b><i>j </i>of the cover <b>1</b><i>b </i>to the bottom of the lip <b>100</b> is 50.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X₁is less than about 50.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X₁is about 50.5 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X₁can vary from 50.5 mm by ±0.5 mm or ±1 mm. By providing the described variants on the distance X₁, the inkjet recording apparatus <b>2</b> can be made compact and the ink cartridge <b>1</b> can be adequately secured within the inkjet recording apparatus <b>2</b>. In embodiments, the distance X₂from the flat surface <b>1</b><i>j </i>of the cover <b>1</b><i>b </i>to the bottom surface <b>102</b> of the bottom portion <b>1</b><i>f </i>is 48 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X₂is less than about 48 mm, for example, 47.7 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X₂is about 48 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X₂can vary from 48 mm by ±0.5 mm or ±1 mm. By providing the described variants on the distance X₂, the bottom of the sealing part <b>63</b> sufficiently extends from the bottom surface so that the ink cartridge <b>1</b> can be adequately secured onto the inkjet recording apparatus <b>2</b>. In embodiments, the distance X₃from the top of the cover <b>1</b><i>b </i>to the bottom of the lip <b>100</b> is 71.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X₃is less than about 71.5 mm. However, in other embodiments, the distance X₃is greater than about 71.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X₃is about 71.5 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X₃can vary from 71.5 mm by ±1 mm or ±1.5 mm.

0146In embodiments, the distance X₄from the flat surface <b>1</b><i>j </i>to the surface <b>105</b> is 36.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X₄is less than about 36.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X₄is about 36.5 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X₄can vary from 36.5 mm by ±0.5 mm or ±1 mm. By providing the described variants on the distance X₄, a sufficient amount of ink can be stored in the ink cartridge <b>2</b> while maintaining a secure connection between the ink cartridge <b>1</b> and the inkjet recording apparatus <b>2</b>. In embodiments, the distance X₅from the flat surface <b>1</b><i>j </i>to the bottom of the top half <b>106</b> is 17 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X₅is less than about 17 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X₅is about 17 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X₅can vary from 17 mm by ±0.5 mm or ±1 mm. By providing the described variants on the distance X₅, the blocking member <b>92</b> can effectively rotate in the projection <b>110</b> while maintaining a sufficient amount of ink in the ink cartridge <b>1</b>. In embodiments, the distance X₆from the bottom of the top half <b>106</b> to the surface <b>102</b> is 31.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X₆is less than about 31.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X₆is about 31.5 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X₆can vary from 31.5 mm by ±0.5 mm or ±1 mm. By providing the described variants on the distance X₆, a protrusion can be inserted into the canal portions <b>116</b>,<b>118</b> in order to rigidly maintain the ink cartridge <b>1</b> in the inkjet recording apparatus <b>2</b>. In embodiments, the distance X₇from the bottom of the top half <b>106</b> and the bottom of the lip <b>100</b> is 34 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X₇is less than about 34 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X₇is about 34 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X₇can vary from 34 mm by ±0.5 mm or ±1 mm.

0147In embodiments, the distance X₈from the top of the inclined portion <b>104</b> to the surface <b>102</b> is 14 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X₈is less than about 14 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X₈is about 14 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X₈can vary from 14 mm by ±0.5 mm or ±1 mm. In embodiments, the distance X₉from the surface <b>105</b> to the surface <b>102</b> is 11.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X₉is less than about 11.5 mm. However, in other embodiments, the distance X₉is greater than about 11.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X₉is about 11.5 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X₉can vary from 11.5 mm by ±0.5 mm or ±1 mm. In embodiments, the distance X₁₀between the flat surface <b>1</b><i>j </i>and the recess <b>112</b> is 43.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X₁₀is less than about 43.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X₁₀is about 43.5 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X₁₀can vary from 43.15 mm by ±0.5 mm or ±1 mm. By providing the described variants on the distance X₁₀, a protrusion can be placed in the recess <b>112</b> in order to stabilize the ink cartridge <b>2</b> relative to the inkjet recording device <b>2</b>. In embodiments, the distance X₁₁between the recess <b>112</b> and the surface <b>102</b> is 4.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X₁₁is less than about 4.5 mm. However, in other embodiments, the distance X₁₁is greater than about 4.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X₁₁is about 4.5 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X₁₁can vary from 4.5 mm by ±0.5 mm or ±1 mm.

0148As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14G</figref>, in embodiments, the distance X₁₂between left and right sides of the container wall <b>1</b><i>a </i>is 48.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X₁₂is less than about 48.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X₁₂is about 48.5 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X₁₂can vary from 48.5 mm by ±0.5 mm or ±1 mm. By providing the described variants on the distance X₁₂, the inkjet recording apparatus <b>2</b> can be made compact and the ink cartridge <b>1</b> can be adequately secured within the inkjet recording apparatus <b>2</b>. In embodiments, the distance X₁₃from the right side of the container wall <b>1</b><i>a </i>to the grooves <b>116</b>, <b>118</b> is 42.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X₁₃is less than about 42.5 mm. However, in other embodiments, the distance X₁₃is greater than about 42.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X₁₃is about 42.5 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X₁₃can vary from 42.5 mm by ±0.5 mm or ±1 mm.

0149In embodiments, the distance X₁₄between the left and right sides of the bottom of the protrusion <b>1</b><i>i </i>is 26.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X₁₄is less than about 26.5 mm. However, in other embodiments, the distance X₁₄is greater than about 26.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X₁₄is about 26.5 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X₁₄can vary from 26.5 mm by ±0.5 mm or ±1 mm. However, one color may be used in a greater amount than others, necessitating an alternate design for the protrusion <b>1</b><i>i </i>in order to easily manipulate the ink cartridge <b>2</b>. In other embodiments, the distance X₁₄is 31.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X₁₄is less than about 31.5 mm. However, in other embodiments, the distance X₁₄is greater than about 31.5 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X₁₄is about 31.5 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X₁₄can vary from 31.5 mm by ±0.5 mm or ±1 mm. In embodiments, the distance X₁₅between the left and right sides of the top of the protrusion <b>1</b><i>i </i>is 24 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X₁₅is less than about 24 mm. However, in other embodiments, the distance X₁₅is greater than about 24 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X₁₅is about 24 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X₁₅can vary from 24 mm by ±0.5 mm or ±1 mm. However, one color may be used in a greater amount than others, necessitating an alternate design for the protrusion <b>1</b><i>i </i>in order to easily manipulate the ink cartridge <b>2</b>. In some embodiments, the distance X₁₅is 29 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X₁₅is less than about 29 mm. However, in other embodiments, the distance X₁₅is greater than about 29 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X₁₅is about 29 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X₁₅can vary from 29 mm by ±0.5 mm or ±1 mm. In embodiments, the distance X₁₆between the left and right side of the bottom portion <b>1</b><i>f </i>is 41 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X₁₆is less than about 41 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X₁₆is about 41 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X₁₆can vary from 41 mm by ±0.5 mm or ±1 mm. By providing the described variants on the distance X₁₆, the ink cartridge <b>1</b> can be adequately secured within the inkjet recording apparatus <b>2</b>.

0150As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14I</figref>, in embodiments, the distance X₁₇between the center of the ink port <b>124</b> and the air communication port <b>126</b> is 22 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X₁₇is less than about 22 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X₁₇is about 22 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X₁₇can vary from 22 mm by ±0.5 mm or ±1 mm. By providing the described variants on the distance X₁₇, the ink cartridge <b>1</b> can be made compact by placing the ink port <b>124</b> and the air communication port <b>126</b> relatively close to each other. In embodiments, the distance X₁₈between the right and left sides of the bottom portion <b>1</b><i>f </i>is 39.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X₁₈is less than about 39.5 mm, for example, 39.4 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X₁₈is about 39.5 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X₁₈can vary from 39.5 mm by ±0.5 mm or ±1 mm. As an alternative, the right and left sides of the bottom portion <b>1</b><i>f </i>can have two distances. For example, one side of the bottom portion can have the distance X₁₈as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref><i>i </i>and the other side of the bottom portion can have a shorter distance, distance X₂₀. The distance X₂₀between the right and left sides of the bottom portion <b>1</b><i>f </i>is 36.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X₂₀, is less than about 36.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X₂₀can be about 36.5 mm. Again, by providing the above described distances X₂₀, the ink cartridge <b>1</b> can be made compact and can be stably placed in the inkjet recording apparatus <b>2</b>. In embodiments, the distance X₁₉between the right side of the bottom portion <b>1</b><i>f </i>and the center of the grooves <b>116</b>,<b>118</b> is 43 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X₁₉is less than 43 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X₁₉is about 43 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X₁₉can vary from 43 mm by ±0.5 mm or ±1 mm.

0151As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14F</figref>, in embodiments, the outer diameter X₂₁of the sealing part <b>63</b> is 12 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X₂₁is less than about 12 mm. In some embodiments, the outer diameter X₂₁is about 12 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X₂₁can vary from 12 mm by ±0.5 mm or ±1 mm. In embodiments, the inner diameter X₂₂of the sealing part <b>63</b> is 10 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X₂₂is less than about 10 mm. In some embodiments, the inner diameter X₂₂is about 10 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X₂₂can vary from 10 mm by ±0.5 mm or ±1 mm. By providing the described variants on the distances X₂₁and X₂₂, the ink cartridge <b>1</b> can reliably supply ink to an inkjet recording apparatus <b>2</b>. In embodiments, the distance X₂₃between the left and right sides of the engaging protrusion <b>120</b> is 7 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X₂₃is less than about 7 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X₂₃is about 7 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X₂₃can vary from 7 mm by ±0.5 mm or ±1 mm. By providing the described variants on the distance X₂₃, the ink cartridge <b>1</b> can remain upright in the inkjet recording apparatus <b>2</b>.

0152As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14H</figref>, in embodiments, the distance X₂₄between the left and right sides of the top of the protrusion <b>1</b><i>i </i>is 10 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X₂₄is less than about 10 mm. However, in other embodiments, the distance X₂₄is greater than about 10 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X₂₄is about 10 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X₂₄can vary from 10 mm by ±0.5 mm or ±1 mm. In embodiments, the distance X₂₅between the left and right side of the bottom of the protrusion <b>1</b><i>i </i>is 12.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X₂₅is less than about 12.5 mm. However, in other embodiments, the distance X₂₅is greater than about 12.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X₂₅is about 12.5 mm. In embodiments, the distance X₂₆between the left and right sides of the top of the container wall <b>1</b><i>a </i>is 22 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X₂₆is less than about 22 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X₂₆is about 22 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X₂₆can vary from 22 mm by ±0.5 mm or ±1 mm. However, one color may be used in a greater amount than others, necessitating an alternate design for the container wall <b>1</b><i>a </i>in order to store more ink. Accordingly, in other embodiments, the distance X₂₆is 31 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X₂₆is less than about 31 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X₂₆is about 31 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X₂₆can vary from 31 mm by ±0.5 mm or ±1 mm. By providing the described variants on the distance X₂₆, an adequate supply of ink can be stored in the ink cartridge <b>1</b> while maintaining a compact design for the inkjet recording apparatus <b>2</b>.

0153In embodiments, the distance X₂₇between the left and right sides of the bottom of the bottom portion <b>1</b><i>f </i>is 19.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X₂₇is less than about 19.5 mm, for example, 19.4 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X₂₇is about 19.5 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X₂₇can vary from 19.5 mm by ±0.5 mm or ±1 mm. However, one color may be used in a greater amount than others, necessitating an alternate design in order to store more ink. In other embodiments, the distance X₂₇is 28.5 mm. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the distance X₂₇is less than about 28.5 mm, for example, 28.2 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X₂₇is about 28.5 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X₂₇can vary from 28.5 mm by ±0.5 mm or ±1 mm. By providing distances X₁₆and X₂₇as described above, a slender, compact ink cartridge <b>1</b> can be produced. In embodiments, the distance X₂₈between the left and right sides of the bottom of the container wall <b>1</b><i>a </i>is 20 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X₂₈, is less than about 20 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X₂₈is about 20 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X₂₈can vary from 20 mm±0.5 mm or ±1 mm. However, one color may be used in a greater amount than others, necessitating an alternate design in order to store more ink. Accordingly, in other embodiments, the distance X₂₈is 29 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X₂₈is less than about 29 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X₂₈is about 29 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X₂₈can vary from 29 mm by ±0.5 mm or ±1 mm.

0154In embodiments, the distance X₂₉between the left and right side of the groove <b>116</b> is 6.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X₂₉is less than about 6.5 mm. However, in other embodiments, the distance X₂₉is greater than about 6.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X₂₉is about 6.5 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X₂₉can vary from 6.5 mm by ±0.5 mm or ±1 mm. However, one color may be used in a greater amount than others, necessitating an alternate design in order to store more ink. Accordingly, in other embodiments, the distance X₂₉is 1 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X₂₉is less than about 11 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X₂₉is about 11 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X₂₉can vary from 11 mm by ±0.5 mm or ±1 mm. In embodiments, the distance X₃₀between the left and right side of the protrusion <b>110</b> is 4.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X₃₀is less than about 4.5 mm, for example, 4.2 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X₃₀is about 4.5 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X₃₀can vary from 4.5 mm by ±0.5 mm or ±1 mm. By providing the described variants on the distance X₃₀, the blocking member <b>92</b> can effectively rotate in the projection <b>110</b> while maintaining a sufficient amount of ink in the ink cartridge <b>1</b>.

0155As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 14I and 14F</figref>, in embodiments, the distance X₃₁between both sides of the protrusion <b>110</b> is 1.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X₃₁is less than about 1.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X₃₁is about 1.5 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X₃₁can vary from 1.5 mm by ±0.5 mm or ±1 mm. In embodiments, the distance X₃₂between a center side portion of the container wall <b>1</b><i>a </i>and the recess <b>112</b> is 16 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X₃₂less than 16 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X₃₂is about 16 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X₃₂can vary from 16 mm by ±0.5 mm or ±1 mm. However, one color may be used in a greater amount than others, necessitating an alternate design in order to store more ink. Accordingly, in other embodiments, the distance X₃₂is 24.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X₃₂is less than about 24.5 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X₃₂is about 24.5 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X₃₂can vary from 24.5 mm by ±0.5 mm or ±1 mm. In embodiments, the distance X₃₃between a center side portion of the container wall <b>1</b><i>a </i>and the recess <b>112</b> is 3 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X₃₃is less than about 3 mm, for example, 2.6 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X₃₃is about 3 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X₃₃is about 3 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X₃₃can vary from 3 mm by ±0.5 mm or ±1 mm. By providing the distances X₁₁and X₃₃, the lip <b>112</b> can prevent the ink cartridge <b>1</b> from being incorrectly installed.

0156In embodiments, the distance X₃₄between the sides of the engaging protrusion <b>120</b> is 7.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X₃₄is less than about 7.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X₃₄is about 7.5 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X₃₄can vary from 7.5 mm by ±0.5 mm or ±1 mm. However, one color may be used in a greater amount than others, necessitating an alternate design in order to store more ink. Accordingly, in other embodiments, the distance X₃₄is 11.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X₃₄is less than about 11.5 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X₃₄is about 11.5 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X₃₄can vary from 11.5 mm by ±0.5 mm or ±1 mm. In embodiments, the distance X₃₅between the engaging protrusions <b>120</b>,<b>122</b> is 5.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X₃₅is less than about 5.5 mm. However, in other embodiments, the distance X₃₅is greater than about 5.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X₃₅is about 5.5 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X₃₅can vary from 5.5 mm by ±0.5 mm or ±1 mm. By providing the described variants on the distances X₃₄, X₃₅, the ink cartridge <b>1</b> can remain stably upright in the inkjet recording apparatus <b>2</b>.

0157An image-recording apparatus disclosed in Japanese Laid Open Patent Application No. 2003-298790 includes an inkjet printer and a scanner provided above the inkjet printer. A sheet supply tray is provided on a rear side of the inkjet printer and a sheet discharge portion is provided in front of the inkjet printer. A sheet is supplied from the sheet supply tray into the inkjet printer. After an image is printed on the sheet, the sheet is discharged onto the sheet discharge portion. The image-recording apparatus includes an inkjet head that reciprocates in a direction perpendicular to a direction that the sheet is fed. Ink cartridges are detachably provided below the sheet discharge portion.

0158In the image-recording apparatus described above, the sheet supply tray is provided on the rear side of the inkjet printer and the sheet discharge portion and the ink cartridges are provided in front of the inkjet printer. Therefore, the image-recording apparatus is enlarged in its front to back direction. In addition, the inkjet head moves beyond both side edges of the sheet during printing. Space located on both sides of the sheet-feeding path are thus wasted. An image-recording apparatus can thus be miniaturized by laying out components of the image-recording apparatus more efficiently.

0159Preferred embodiments of a multifunction device whose components are laid out efficiently will be described below. The ink cartridge <b>1</b> of the fifth embodiment whose dimensions were described above and were illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 14D-14I</figref> is attachable to the multifunction device described below.

0160In the preferred embodiments, the present invention is applied to a multifunction device including a printer function, a facsimile function, a copier function, and a scanner function. For the following description, the near side of a multifunction device <b>201</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref> is defined as the front, and left and right directions when viewing from the front of the multifunction device <b>201</b> are defined as the left and right directions.

0161First, an exemplary multifunction device <b>201</b> according to the present invention will be described with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 15 to 27</figref>.

0162As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref>, the multifunction device <b>201</b> includes a main casing <b>202</b> having an upper frame <b>205</b> and a lower frame <b>206</b>. The lower frame <b>206</b> is formed in a substantially square shape in a plan view. A sheet accommodating section <b>210</b> is formed as a recess in the front bottom portion of the lower frame <b>206</b> and centered left-to-right, providing an arch-like front appearance to the lower frame <b>206</b>. A conveying space <b>212</b> is defined inside the sheet accommodating section <b>210</b> for conveying a recording sheet P (see <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref>) in the front-to-rear direction.

0163A sheet supply tray <b>211</b> for holding the recording sheets P is detachably inserted into the sheet accommodating section <b>210</b> and is capable of moving in the front-to-rear direction within the conveying space <b>212</b>. When accommodated in the sheet accommodating section <b>210</b>, the sheet supply tray <b>211</b> blocks the bottom of the sheet accommodating section <b>210</b>. In other words, by eliminating a bottom surface of the sheet accommodating section <b>210</b> and by configuring the sheet supply tray <b>211</b> to serve as the bottom surface, it is possible to reduce the height of the lower frame <b>206</b>. This construction also facilitates maintenance work for paper jams and the like since the bottom of the lower frame <b>206</b> can be opened simply by removing the sheet supply tray <b>211</b> from the sheet accommodating section <b>210</b>.

0164Guide pieces <b>213</b> formed in arch shapes are disposed near the front part of the sheet supply tray <b>211</b> to extend from the left and right edges of the sheet accommodating section <b>210</b> to cover the top of the recording sheet P loaded in the sheet supply tray <b>211</b>. The guide pieces <b>213</b> determine the left-to-right position of the recording sheet P on the sheet supply tray <b>211</b>. The guide pieces <b>213</b> also function as a discharge tray. After an image is formed on the recording sheet P in a recording unit <b>221</b> described later, the recording sheet P is discharged forward onto the top surfaces of the guide pieces <b>213</b>. Hence, the guide pieces <b>213</b> divide the conveying space <b>212</b> into a lower supply space <b>212</b><i>a </i>for supplying the recording sheet P and an upper discharge space <b>212</b><i>b </i>for discharging the recording sheet P. Note that the guide pieces <b>213</b> have been omitted from <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 16-18</figref>.

0165As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref>, a printing unit <b>203</b> is accommodated in the lower frame <b>206</b>. The printing unit <b>203</b> includes a conveying mechanism <b>220</b> for conveying the recording sheets P accommodated in the sheet supply tray <b>211</b> in the front-to-rear direction, and the recording unit <b>221</b> disposed in the rear section of the lower frame <b>206</b> for recording images on the recording sheets P. A cover <b>222</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 24</figref>) formed of a synthetic resin is mounted on the lower frame <b>206</b> for covering the conveying mechanism <b>220</b> and the recording unit <b>221</b>.

0166As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref>, the conveying mechanism <b>220</b> includes an arm <b>223</b>, a supply roller <b>224</b>, a plate <b>225</b>, a registration roller <b>226</b>, a follow roller <b>227</b>, and a discharge roller <b>228</b>. The arm <b>223</b> is disposed above the rear end of the sheet supply tray <b>211</b> and extends downward from an engine frame <b>233</b> of the recording unit <b>221</b>. The supply roller <b>224</b> is rotatably supported on the lower end of the arm <b>223</b>. The plate <b>225</b> is disposed in a space in the rear of the sheet accommodating section <b>210</b> and has a U-shaped conveying part <b>225</b><i>a</i>. The registration roller <b>226</b> is disposed at a position farther forward than the plate <b>225</b> and farther rearward than the recording unit <b>221</b>. The follow roller <b>227</b> is disposed in opposition to the registration roller <b>226</b>. The discharge roller <b>228</b> is disposed in the front section of the recording unit <b>221</b>. A motor (not shown) drives each of the supply roller <b>224</b>, the registration roller <b>226</b>, and the discharge roller <b>228</b> to rotate.

0167Operations of the conveying mechanism <b>220</b> for conveying a recording sheet P will be described. First, the supply roller <b>224</b> picks up a recording sheet P from the sheet supply tray <b>211</b> one sheet at a time and conveys the recording sheet P to the U-shaped conveying part <b>225</b><i>a </i>formed in the plate <b>225</b>. The recording sheet P is flipped over in the U-shaped conveying part <b>225</b><i>a </i>so as to be moving forward and is conveyed to the recording unit <b>221</b> by the registration roller <b>226</b> and the follow roller <b>227</b>. After the recording unit <b>221</b> records an image on the recording sheet P, the recording sheet P is discharged into the upper discharge space <b>212</b><i>b </i>by the discharge roller <b>228</b>. Since the recording sheet P supplied from the front is inverted by the U-shaped conveying part <b>225</b><i>a </i>and discharged toward the front, the front-to-rear dimension of the multifunction device <b>201</b> can be made shorter than a multifunction device configured to feed a recording sheet P from the rear and discharge the recording sheet P toward the front.

0168As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 20 and 22</figref>, the recording unit <b>221</b> includes a carriage <b>230</b>, an inkjet head <b>231</b>, a platen <b>232</b>, the engine frame <b>233</b>, a timing belt <b>234</b>, and a motor <b>239</b>. The inkjet head <b>231</b> is attached to the bottom section of the carriage <b>230</b>. The platen <b>232</b> is disposed below the carriage <b>230</b>. The engine frame <b>233</b> supports the carriage <b>230</b> and the platen <b>232</b>. A pair of front and rear guide plates <b>235</b> and <b>236</b>, extending left-to-right, is disposed above the engine frame <b>233</b>. The carriage <b>230</b> is coupled with the motor <b>239</b> via the timing belt <b>234</b> and can be moved reciprocally left and right over the guide plates <b>235</b> and <b>236</b> to positions beyond both widthwise edges of the recording sheet P.

0169With this construction, the motor <b>239</b> moves the carriage <b>230</b> reciprocally left and right along the pair of guide plates <b>235</b> and <b>236</b>, while ink is ejected from the inkjet head <b>231</b> disposed on the carriage <b>230</b> onto the recording sheet P being conveyed forward in the space below the inkjet head <b>231</b>. In this manner, an image is formed on the recording sheet P.

0170As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 26</figref>, a maintenance unit <b>237</b> for cleaning the inkjet head <b>231</b> is provided below the right edge of the recording unit <b>221</b>.

0171Since a U-shaped conveying path through which a recording sheet P is conveyed from the lower supply space <b>212</b><i>a </i>to the upper discharge space <b>212</b><i>b </i>is disposed below the inkjet head <b>231</b>, unused space exists above the plate <b>225</b> that forms the U-shaped conveying part <b>225</b><i>a </i>of the U-shaped conveying path, and behind the carriage <b>230</b> mounted with the inkjet head <b>231</b>. Therefore, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 20 and 26</figref>, a waste liquid absorbing member <b>238</b> is disposed in the space above the plate <b>225</b> and behind the carriage <b>230</b>, occupying approximately the right two-thirds of the space. The waste liquid absorbing member <b>238</b> is for absorbing waste ink discharged from nozzles in the inkjet head <b>231</b> when the maintenance unit <b>237</b> performs maintenance operations. This makes effective use of the space in the lower frame <b>206</b>.

0172As described above, the inkjet head <b>231</b> is a serial head capable of moving beyond both widthwise edges of the recording sheet P. Hence, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 25</figref>, the recording unit <b>221</b> extends further in the left and right directions than the sheet accommodating section <b>210</b>, thereby forming spaces on the left and right sides of the sheet accommodating section <b>210</b>. Therefore, in the present embodiment, a cartridge holder <b>241</b> for holding ink cartridges <b>240</b> (for example, the ink cartridge <b>1</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 14A-14I</figref>) is disposed on the right side of the sheet accommodating section <b>210</b>, and a power supply unit <b>260</b> is disposed on the left side of the sheet accommodating section <b>210</b>, thereby making effective use of the spaces on both sides of the sheet accommodating section <b>210</b>.

0173In order to discharge the recording sheet P into the upper discharge space <b>212</b><i>b </i>as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref>, the ceiling of the upper discharge space <b>212</b><i>b </i>(sheet accommodating section <b>210</b>) need only be higher than the position at which the recording sheet P is discharged from the recording unit <b>221</b> (the top point of the discharge roller <b>228</b>). Hence, the upper discharge space <b>212</b><i>b </i>need not be formed unnecessarily high. Therefore, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref>, a main control board <b>250</b> for controlling operations of the multifunction device <b>201</b> is disposed horizontally in a space above the sheet accommodating section <b>210</b>. Also, the recording unit <b>221</b> is disposed behind the sheet accommodating section <b>210</b> such that the top portion of the recording unit <b>221</b> is substantially the same height as the main control board <b>250</b>. In other words, the top of the main control board <b>250</b> and the top of the recording unit <b>221</b> are positioned in approximately the same plane as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 25</figref>. Accordingly, the space above the sheet accommodating section <b>210</b> is effectively used, while not increasing the height of the multifunction device <b>201</b>. Further, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 25</figref>, the cartridge holder <b>241</b>, the ink cartridges <b>240</b>, and the power supply unit <b>260</b> fit vertically between the top of the main control board <b>250</b> (a connector <b>251</b> disposed on the main control board <b>250</b>) and the bottom of the sheet accommodating section <b>10</b>, indicated by “H” in FIG. <b>25</b>. Hence, the height of the multifunction device <b>201</b> can be made small, enabling the multifunction device <b>201</b> to be made even more compact.

0174The cartridge holder <b>241</b>, the main control board <b>250</b>, and the power supply unit <b>260</b> will be described further.

0175As illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 17 and 24</figref>, four ink cartridges <b>240</b>, each accommodating ink for one of four colors (yellow, magenta, cyan, and black), are inserted into the cartridge holder <b>241</b> from the top of the cover <b>222</b> via an insertion hole <b>222</b><i>a </i>formed in the cover <b>222</b> and are aligned in the front-to-rear direction. The ink cartridges <b>240</b> are connected to the inkjet head <b>231</b> via flexible tubes <b>242</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 22</figref>. When ink is ejected from the inkjet head <b>231</b>, ink is supplied to the inkjet head <b>231</b> from the ink cartridges <b>240</b> via the flexible tubes <b>242</b>. Note that while the ink cartridges <b>240</b> in this embodiment accommodate ink of the four colors black, cyan, magenta, and yellow, the ink cartridges <b>240</b> may accommodate ink for more colors.

0176As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref>, the upper frame <b>205</b> is pivotably supported on the left edge of the lower frame <b>206</b> via shafts <b>214</b>, such as hinges. In other words, when viewed from the front of the multifunction device <b>201</b>, the upper frame <b>205</b> can pivot open sideways about the side edge opposite the position of the cartridge holder <b>241</b>. Pivoting the upper frame <b>205</b> in this way reliably reveals the top of the cartridge holder <b>241</b>, enabling ink cartridges <b>240</b> to be easily mounted into the cartridge holder <b>241</b> from above.

0177A guide rail <b>216</b> extending in the left-to-right direction is fixed to the bottom surface in the rear portion of the upper frame <b>205</b>. The guide rail <b>216</b> is formed with a guide groove <b>216</b><i>a </i>extending left-to-right. A support rod <b>217</b> is pivotably attached to the lower frame <b>206</b> so as to be able to pivot about its lower right end. A guide pin <b>217</b><i>a </i>is provided on the free end of the support rod <b>217</b>. The guide pin <b>217</b><i>a </i>is slidably engaged with the guide groove <b>216</b><i>a</i>. By sliding the guide pin <b>217</b><i>a </i>in the guide groove <b>216</b><i>a </i>until the guide pin <b>217</b><i>a </i>is fitted into an engaging part (not shown) formed in the right end of the guide groove <b>216</b><i>a </i>(the end opposite the pivotal axis of the upper frame <b>205</b>, which extends in the front-to-rear direction), the support rod <b>217</b> supports the upper frame <b>205</b> in an open state. With this construction, the upper frame <b>205</b> can be maintained in an open state with respect to the lower frame <b>206</b> at a large angle θ.

0178The device for holding the upper frame <b>205</b> at a large angle θ with respect to the lower frame <b>206</b> may include arced guard rails disposed near the shafts <b>214</b> and guide pins that are guided by these rails. In addition to this, urging means may be provided for urging the upper frame <b>205</b> upward in order to maintain the upper frame <b>205</b> in the open state.

0179With this construction, the top surface of the lower frame <b>206</b> can be opened wide, improving visibility and facilitating such operations as maintenance of the inkjet head <b>231</b> and the like, clearing of paper jams along the conveying path, and replacing of the ink cartridges <b>240</b>. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref>, if a distance D between the right edge of the upper frame <b>205</b> in its uppermost position and the right edge of the lower frame <b>206</b> when viewed from the front is set either equal to or greater than a width dimension E of the ink cartridges <b>240</b>, then the ink cartridges <b>240</b> can be almost vertically lifted out of or inserted into the cartridge holder <b>241</b> on the side of the lower frame <b>206</b>, improving visibility and facilitating mounting and removal operations of the ink cartridges <b>240</b>.

0180As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 25</figref>, the main control board <b>250</b> has a flat substantially rectangular shape and extends to the left side above the power supply unit <b>260</b>. Accordingly, even when a main control board <b>250</b> having a relatively large surface area is required due to a large number of electronic parts or terminals mounted thereon, for example, the main control board <b>250</b> can still be disposed above the sheet accommodating section <b>210</b> by extending the main control board <b>250</b> over the power supply unit <b>260</b>. Hence, the multifunction device <b>201</b> can be made compact by effectively using the space above the sheet accommodating section <b>210</b>. Also, because the power supply unit <b>260</b> is positioned nearly directly below the main control board <b>250</b>, a wire connecting the main control board <b>250</b> and the power board <b>262</b> can be very short.

0181On the other hand, the main control board <b>250</b> does not extend to the right above the cartridge holder <b>241</b> so that the main control board <b>250</b> does not hinder operations for mounting the ink cartridges <b>240</b> into the cartridge holder <b>241</b> from above.

0182As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 24</figref>, electronic parts <b>257</b> and various connectors are provided on the main control board <b>250</b>. Specifically, two connectors <b>251</b> and <b>252</b> for connecting to a media card are disposed in the front left region of the main control board <b>250</b>. A front cover <b>253</b> is disposed on the front surface of the lower frame <b>206</b>. The front cover <b>253</b> is formed with two slots <b>253</b><i>a </i>and <b>253</b><i>b </i>through which media cards are inserted. The media cards inserted into the slots <b>253</b><i>a </i>and <b>253</b><i>b </i>form an electrical connection with the respective connectors <b>251</b> and <b>252</b> on the main control board <b>250</b>. Since the main control board <b>250</b> is disposed above the sheet accommodating section <b>210</b> as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 25</figref>, the slots <b>253</b><i>a </i>and <b>253</b><i>b </i>(and the connectors <b>251</b> and <b>252</b>) are disposed at a relatively high position, facilitating insertion of the media cards in the slots <b>253</b><i>a </i>and <b>253</b><i>b. </i>

0183As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 24</figref>, a connector <b>254</b> for connecting to a personal computer or other external device and a LAN connector <b>255</b> for connecting to a LAN are disposed on the rear right region of the main control board <b>250</b>. Further, a connector <b>256</b> for connecting to a network board <b>261</b> described later is mounted on the rear left region of the main control board <b>250</b>. A plurality of other connectors is also provided along the peripheral edge of the main control board <b>250</b>.

0184As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 23</figref>, the power supply unit <b>260</b> has a block shape elongated in the front-to-rear direction. The power supply unit <b>260</b> houses a power board <b>262</b> that uses commercial AC power sources to generate 5 volt DC power used to power a CPU, a memory, and the like, and 30 volt DC power for operating motors and other actuators. Wiring materials (not shown) connect the power board <b>262</b> to the main control board <b>250</b> or the power board <b>262</b> to various motors so that voltages generated by the power board <b>262</b> can be applied to the main control board <b>250</b> and the motors.

0185As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 26 and 27</figref>, the network board <b>261</b> is disposed in a space behind the power supply unit <b>260</b> and below the left edge of the recording unit <b>221</b>. The network board <b>261</b> is a circuit board functioning to perform wired communications via a telephone line. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 23</figref>, two modular connectors <b>263</b> are provided on the network board <b>261</b> for connecting to a telephone line and an external handset. Hence, the network board <b>261</b> enables data communications with another facsimile device and a phone call using the external handset (not shown).

0186The power supply unit <b>260</b> and the network board <b>261</b> are both mounted on a metal plate fixture <b>264</b> and attached to the lower frame <b>206</b> as an integral unit. The plate fixture <b>264</b> has a flat base <b>264</b><i>a </i>extending in the front-to-rear direction, and a side wall <b>264</b><i>b </i>disposed along rear and right edges of the flat base <b>264</b><i>a</i>. The power supply unit <b>260</b> is mounted in the front area of the plate fixture <b>264</b>, while the network board <b>261</b> is mounted in the rear area. Special protective covers <b>265</b> and <b>266</b> are mounted over the power supply unit <b>260</b> and the network board <b>261</b>, respectively. A plurality of holes <b>265</b><i>a </i>are formed in the protective cover <b>265</b> in order to release heat generated by the power supply unit <b>260</b>. Escape holes <b>266</b><i>a </i>are formed in the protective cover <b>266</b> at positions opposing the modular connectors <b>263</b>. An opening <b>266</b><i>b </i>is formed in the protective cover <b>266</b> at a position facing the power supply unit <b>260</b>, enabling the passage of the electric wires used to connect the main control board <b>250</b>.

0187An opening (not shown) is formed in the bottom surface of the lower frame <b>206</b> on the left side of the sheet accommodating section <b>210</b>, and the integrated power supply unit <b>260</b> and the network board <b>261</b> are mounted in the lower frame <b>206</b> through the opening. Hence, it is possible to remove the power supply unit <b>260</b> and the network board <b>261</b> from the lower frame <b>206</b> alone, facilitating maintenance. Insertion slots <b>202</b><i>a </i>are formed in the left wall of the lower frame <b>206</b> at points opposing the modular connectors <b>263</b> of the network board <b>261</b> for inserting modular jacks. A cord outlet <b>202</b><i>b </i>is formed in the same side of the lower frame <b>206</b> rearward of the insertion slots <b>202</b><i>a </i>for running a power cord out of the device.

0188As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref>, a control panel <b>273</b> is disposed in the front area on top of the upper frame <b>205</b>, and a scanner <b>204</b> is disposed in the area behind the control panel <b>273</b>. The control panel <b>273</b> includes various buttons, such as the numerical buttons 0-9, a Start button, and function buttons that can be pressed to perform various operations. The control panel <b>273</b> is also provided with a display portion <b>273</b>A, such as a liquid crystal display, for displaying settings for the multifunction device <b>201</b>, messages, or the like according to need.

0189The scanner <b>204</b> functions to scan images from a facsimile original to be transmitted to another facsimile device when using the facsimile function, or images of an original to be copied when using the copier function. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref>, the scanner <b>204</b> includes a glass plate <b>270</b> mounted on the upper frame <b>205</b> to support original documents, a scanning unit <b>271</b> for scanning images of documents placed on the glass plate <b>270</b>, and a document cover <b>272</b> for covering the glass plate <b>270</b>. The scanning unit <b>271</b> is disposed directly below the glass plate <b>270</b> so that the glass plate <b>270</b> is interposed between the scanning unit <b>271</b> and an original document placed on the top surface of the glass plate <b>270</b>.

0190As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19A</figref>, the scanning unit <b>271</b> includes a line-type contact image sensor (CIS) <b>279</b> and a frame <b>279</b>A on which the contact image sensor <b>279</b> is supported. The frame <b>279</b>A and the contact image sensor <b>279</b> extend in the front-to-rear direction parallel to the shafts <b>214</b>. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19B</figref>, the contact image sensor <b>279</b> has a cover glass <b>279</b><i>a</i>, a frame <b>279</b><i>b</i>, a substrate <b>279</b><i>c</i>, and a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements <b>279</b><i>d </i>(only one photoelectric conversion element <b>279</b><i>d </i>is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19B</figref>). The photoelectric conversion elements <b>279</b><i>d </i>are for reading images from the surface of the document on the glass plate <b>270</b>. The photoelectric conversion elements <b>279</b><i>d </i>are aligned in the longitudinal direction of the contact image sensor <b>279</b>, that is, in the front-to-rear direction of the multifunction device <b>201</b>.

0191As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref>, sliders <b>274</b> are disposed on the front and rear ends of the scanning unit <b>271</b>. The scanning unit <b>271</b> is coupled with a drive motor <b>275</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 26</figref> and scans images of a document on the glass plate <b>270</b> while the drive motor <b>275</b> and a timing belt (not shown) move the scanning unit <b>271</b> reciprocally left and right with respect to the upper frame <b>205</b> via the sliders <b>274</b>. Also, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref>, a depression <b>271</b><i>a </i>is formed on the bottom of and in the front-to-rear center portion of the scanning unit <b>271</b>. A guide shaft <b>276</b> extending in the left-to-right direction is fitted into the depression <b>271</b><i>a </i>for guiding the scanning unit <b>271</b> left and right. In other words, the frame <b>279</b>A with the contact image sensor <b>279</b> mounted thereon is capable of moving reciprocally in a direction perpendicular to the shafts <b>214</b>.

0192As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref>, a flexible wiring member <b>277</b>, such as a flexible flat cable, connects the contact image sensor <b>279</b> to the main control board <b>250</b>. Here, the main control board <b>250</b> extends to a point near the pivotal axis of the upper frame <b>205</b> (the left edge of the lower frame <b>206</b>), while the wiring member <b>277</b> extends from a portion of the main control board <b>250</b> near the pivotal axis of the upper frame <b>205</b> to the scanning unit <b>271</b>.

0193Specifically, one end of the wiring member <b>277</b> is connected to a mid-portion of the contact image sensor <b>279</b> in the longitudinal direction, while the other end is connected to the left edge of the main control board <b>250</b> parallel to the shafts <b>214</b>. The wiring member <b>277</b> runs around the periphery of the shaft <b>214</b> so that the flat surface (widthwise surface) of the wiring member <b>277</b> confronts the pivotal axis of the upper frame <b>205</b> and so that the longitudinal direction of the wiring member <b>277</b> is orthogonal to the pivotal axis of the upper frame <b>205</b> and parallel to the direction in which the contact image sensor <b>279</b> moves. The edges at both connecting ends of the wiring member <b>277</b> are arranged parallel to the pivotal axis of the upper frame <b>205</b>.

0194With the wiring member <b>277</b> configured in this way, the widthwise surface of the wiring member <b>277</b> includes a large curved section near the shaft <b>214</b> that is not twisted when the upper frame <b>205</b> is closed over the lower frame <b>206</b> or when the upper frame <b>205</b> is opened wide. Hence, the widthwise surface of the wiring member <b>277</b> at a midpoint in the longitudinal direction does not twist, even when the contact image sensor <b>279</b> is in a standby position, that is, near the shafts <b>214</b>. Accordingly, an unreasonable force is not applied to the wiring member <b>277</b>, making it possible to minimize the potential for damage to the wiring member <b>277</b>, even when the multifunction device <b>201</b> is used over a long period of time and the upper frame <b>205</b> is repeatedly opened and closed. There is also no repeated bending of the wiring member <b>277</b> that can cause the wiring member <b>277</b> to wear out and break (fractures in the conducting portions). Further, the length of the wiring member <b>277</b> can be shortened greatly.

0195As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref>, the document cover <b>272</b> is pivotably attached to the rear end of the upper frame <b>205</b> via hinges <b>278</b>. Hence, in a plan view, the pivotal axis of the upper frame <b>205</b> with respect to the lower frame <b>206</b> is orthogonal to the pivotal axis of the document cover <b>272</b> with respect to the upper frame <b>205</b>. Therefore, when the upper frame <b>205</b> is pivoted open on the lower frame <b>206</b>, the document cover <b>272</b> is prevented from opening simultaneously.

0196As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref>, the drive motor <b>275</b> is accommodated in a portion protruding downward from the left rear of the upper frame <b>205</b>, so the drive motor <b>275</b> protrudes downward from the bottom of the upper frame <b>205</b>. When the upper frame <b>205</b> is in the closed state as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref>, the drive motor <b>275</b> occupies approximately one-third of the space on the left side above the plate <b>225</b> (the recessed portion adjacent to the waste liquid absorbing member <b>238</b>) as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref>, thereby effectively using the space behind the recording unit <b>221</b>. Since the main control board <b>250</b> is disposed in the front of the main casing <b>202</b> while the drive motor <b>275</b> is disposed in the rear, adverse effects of noise generated when operating the drive motor <b>275</b> on the main control board <b>250</b> can be minimized.

0197Next, a multifunction device <b>201</b>A according to a modification of the first embodiment will be described with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 28 to 30</figref>, wherein like parts and components have been given the same reference numerals to avoid duplicating description.

0198As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 28</figref>, the multifunction device <b>201</b>A includes an upper frame <b>205</b>A and a scanner <b>204</b>A. The upper frame <b>205</b>A is pivotably supported on the left end of the lower frame <b>206</b> in the same manner as the upper frame <b>205</b> of the first embodiment. The scanner <b>204</b>A includes a document cover <b>272</b>A, a document supply tray <b>280</b>, a discharge tray <b>281</b>, and an automatic document feeder <b>282</b>.

0199The document cover <b>272</b>A is pivotably attached to the rear edge of the upper frame <b>205</b>A. The document supply tray <b>280</b> is disposed on the top surface of the document cover <b>272</b>A, and the discharge tray <b>281</b> is disposed above the document supply tray <b>280</b>. The document supply tray <b>280</b> guides an original document into the automatic document feeder <b>282</b> on the left.

0200The automatic document feeder <b>282</b> automatically conveys an original document from the document supply tray <b>280</b> to a scanning position to be scanned by the scanning unit <b>271</b>. After the scanning unit <b>271</b> scans an image from the document, the document is discharged onto the discharge tray <b>281</b>, and the discharge tray <b>281</b> guides the original document toward the right. A document stopper <b>283</b> is disposed on the right edge of the document cover <b>272</b>A for receiving the discharged documents.

0201More specifically, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 29 and 30</figref>, the automatic document feeder <b>282</b> includes a cover <b>284</b>, a pressing plate <b>285</b>, a pickup roller <b>286</b>, a separation roller <b>287</b>, and a reversing roller <b>288</b>. The cover <b>284</b> is disposed at the left end of the document cover <b>272</b>A to be freely opened and closed. The pressing plate <b>285</b> is disposed above the glass plate <b>270</b> (see <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref>) for pressing an original document against the glass plate <b>270</b>. The pickup roller <b>286</b> and the separation roller <b>287</b> are rotatably supported on the pressing plate <b>285</b> for feeding original documents one at a time inside the cover <b>284</b>. The reversing roller <b>288</b> is for reversing the feeding direction of original documents fed inside the cover <b>284</b>, and is rotatably supported on the cover <b>272</b>A via a drive shaft <b>289</b>.

0202As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 29</figref>, provided on the inner surface of the cover <b>284</b> are pad members <b>290</b> and <b>291</b> capable of resiliently contacting the pickup roller <b>286</b> and the separation roller <b>287</b>, respectively, and follow rollers <b>292</b> and <b>293</b> capable of resiliently contacting the reversing roller <b>288</b>.

0203A casing <b>294</b> is disposed behind the cover <b>284</b>. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 30</figref>, the casing <b>294</b> houses a document feeding motor <b>295</b> and a gear mechanism <b>296</b>. The document feeding motor <b>295</b> is connected to the main control board <b>250</b> via a cable <b>297</b>. The gear mechanism <b>296</b> is for transferring the rotational drive force of the document feeding motor <b>295</b> to the pickup roller <b>286</b>, the separation roller <b>287</b>, and the drive shaft <b>289</b>. The rotational driving force transferred from the document feeding motor <b>295</b> drives the pickup roller <b>286</b> and the separation roller <b>287</b> to rotate and feed an original document from the document supply tray <b>280</b> into the cover <b>284</b> one sheet at a time. The document feeding motor <b>295</b> also drives the reversing roller <b>288</b> to rotate. The reversing roller <b>288</b> inverts the document fed by the pickup roller <b>286</b> and the separation roller <b>287</b> and changes the direction in which the document is conveyed from a leftward direction to a rightward direction. The scanning unit <b>271</b> disposed at a scanning position below the reversing roller <b>288</b> scans the image on the original document. After being scanned, the document is discharged onto the discharge tray <b>281</b>.

0204Since the document feeding motor <b>295</b> is disposed near the pivotal axis of the upper frame <b>205</b>A at the left end of the upper frame <b>205</b>A, an unreasonable force is not applied to a wiring member (not shown) connecting the document feeding motor <b>295</b> and the main control board <b>250</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref>) and the cable <b>297</b> connecting the document feeding motor <b>295</b> to the power supply unit <b>260</b> (see <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 23</figref>) when the upper frame <b>205</b>A is pivoted on the lower frame <b>206</b>, thereby minimizing the potential for damage to the wiring member and the cable <b>297</b>. Further, since the document feeding motor <b>295</b> is disposed on the rear edge of the multifunction device <b>201</b>A, opposite the side on which the main control board <b>250</b> is disposed, adverse effects of noise generated by the document feeding motor <b>295</b> on the main control board <b>250</b> can be minimized.

0205Note that in the multifunction devices <b>201</b> and <b>201</b>A described above, the sheet supply tray <b>211</b> mounted on the sheet accommodating section <b>210</b> also functions as a discharge tray, wherein the recording sheet P supplied from the lower supply space <b>212</b><i>a </i>on the front is reversed in the lower fame <b>206</b> and discharged into the upper discharge space <b>212</b><i>b </i>on the front. However, the sheet supply tray <b>211</b> may also be configured of only the upper discharge space <b>212</b><i>b </i>in the sheet accommodating section <b>210</b>, such that the recording sheet P is supplied from the rear and discharged into the upper discharge space <b>212</b><i>b </i>on the front, for example.

0206Further, it is not necessary to omit the bottom surface of the sheet accommodating section <b>210</b> to form an opening in the bottom.

0207Further, the positions of the cartridge holder <b>241</b> and the power supply unit <b>260</b> on the right and left sides of the sheet accommodating section <b>210</b> may be switched. However, when the cartridge holder <b>241</b> is configured so that the ink cartridges <b>240</b> are mounted and removed through the top thereof, as in the multifunction device <b>201</b> of the preferred embodiment described above, the cartridge holder <b>241</b> is preferably disposed on the side opposite the pivotal axis of the upper frame <b>205</b> in order to facilitate this replacement operation. However, if the ink cartridges <b>240</b> are mounted and removed through the front or rear side, the cartridge holder <b>241</b> may be disposed on either the left or right side of the sheet accommodating section <b>210</b>.

0208If a multifunction device <b>201</b> includes a sheet supply tray on a rear side, the size of the multifunction device <b>201</b> is enlarged in the front and back direction. As such, the sheet supply tray <b>211</b> is detachably inserted into the sheet accommodating section <b>212</b> in order to miniaturize the multifunction device. However, if the ink cartridges <b>240</b> are also placed within the multifunction device <b>201</b>, the location and the size of the ink cartridges <b>240</b> are taken into consideration in order to maintain the miniaturized size of the multifunction device <b>201</b>.

0209In the meantime, the inkjet head <b>231</b> of the multifunction device <b>201</b> moves beyond both side edges of the recording sheet P in order to print an image on the entire area of the recording sheet P. Therefore, as discussed above, the ink cartridges <b>240</b> are disposed on the right side of the sheet accommodating section <b>210</b> so that the size of the multifunction device <b>201</b> can be made smaller without increasing of the height of the multifunction device <b>201</b>.

0210The largest most commonly-used recording sheet P in the multifunction device <b>201</b> is A4. The size of the multifunction device <b>201</b> will thus be dimensioned in order to print an image on an A4 sheet or on a smaller sheet. Furthermore, various dimensions of the ink cartridge <b>240</b>, which is similar to the ink cartridge <b>1</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 14A-14I</figref> that is attachable to the multifunction device <b>201</b>, will be described.

0211As should be appreciated, the width of the A4 sheet is 210 mm and the length of the A4 sheet is 297 mm. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 31</figref>, in the embodiments, the distance Y₁from the left outer surface to the right outer surface of the multifunction device <b>201</b> is 304 mm. In some embodiments, the distance Y₁is less than about 304 mm. In some embodiments, the distance Y₁is about 304 mm. In further embodiments, the distance Y₁can vary from 304 mm by ±5 mm or ±10 mm. In some embodiments, the distance Y₁is set for a carriage <b>230</b> whose width in a main scanning direction is 47 mm. Thus, in order to print an image on the entire area of the recording sheet P (210 mm for the width of the A4 sheet+47 mm×2 for the dimension on both sides of the recording sheet P in order to accommodate the movement of the carriage <b>230</b>=304 mm), the distance Y₁is set as discussed above.

0212In order to accommodate gears located on both sides of the A4 sheet in order to drive the carriage <b>230</b>, additional space is required. In the embodiments, the distance Y₃from the left outer surface of the multifunction device <b>201</b> to the left surface of the recording sheet P when the recording sheet P is placed in the multifunction device <b>201</b> is 75.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance Y₃is less than about 75.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance Y₃is about 75.5 mm. In further embodiments, the distance Y₃can vary from 75.5 mm by ±5 mm or ±10 mm. As should be appreciated, the distance Y₃also applies from the right outer surface of the multifunction device <b>201</b> to the right surface of the recording sheet P when the recording sheet P is placed in the multifunction device <b>201</b>.

0213With the distance Y₃, in some embodiments, the distance Y₁is 361 mm (210 mm for the width of the A4 sheet+75.5 mm×2 for the distance on both sides of the recording sheet P in order to accommodate the movement of the carriage <b>230</b> and other gears=361 mm).

0214As discussed above, the length of the A4 sheet is 297 mm. In the embodiments, the distance Y₂from the front outer surface of the multifunction device <b>201</b> to the rear outer surface of the multifunction device <b>201</b> is 322 mm. In some embodiments, the distance Y₂is less than about 322 mm. In some embodiments, the distance Y₂is about 322 mm. In further embodiments, the distance Y₂can vary from 322 mm by ±5 mm or ±10 mm. By providing the described variants on the distance Y₂, a sufficient amount of space is available for the recording sheet P to turn within the multifunction device <b>201</b>.

0215At both sides of the recording sheet P, two spaces are created. One of the two spaces is used for disposing the power supply unit <b>260</b> and the network board <b>261</b>. The ink cartridges <b>240</b> are disposed in the other one of the two spaces. The space on the left side of the recording sheet P will be described. The space between the left side and the right side of the recording sheet P will also be described for storing the waste liquid absorbing member <b>238</b> and the drive motor <b>275</b>. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 31</figref>, the space from the rear outer surface of the multifunction device <b>201</b> has a distance Y₅and a distance Y₁for disposing of the waste liquid absorbing member <b>238</b> and the drive motor <b>275</b>. In the embodiments, the distance Y₅from the rear outer surface of the multifunction device <b>201</b> is 25 mm. In some embodiments, the distance Y₅is less than about 25 mm. In some embodiments, the distance Y₅is about 25 mm. In further embodiments, the distance Y₅can vary from 25 mm by ±0.5 mm or ±1 mm.

0216The space from the front outer surface of the multifunction device <b>201</b> has a distance Y₆and a distance Y₃for disposing of the power supply unit <b>260</b>. In the embodiments, the distance Y₆from the front outer surface of the multifunction device <b>201</b> is 178 mm. In some embodiments, the distance Y₆is less than about 178 mm. In some embodiments, the distance Y₆is about 178 mm. In further embodiments, the distance Y₆can vary from 178 mm by ±5 mm or ±10 mm. The resultant space from the distance Y₅and the distance Y₆is Y₄for storing the network board <b>261</b>. In the embodiments, the distance Y₄is 119 mm. In some embodiments, the distance Y₄is less than about 119 mm. In some embodiments, the distance Y₄is about 119 mm. In further embodiments, the distance Y₄can vary from 119 mm by ±5 mm or ±10 mm.

0217As discussed above, the ink cartridges <b>240</b> are disposed in one of the two spaces. In the example of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 31</figref>, the ink cartridges are disposed on the right. In the embodiments, a distance Y₈is provided for disposing of the flexible tubes <b>242</b> and a distance Y₉is provided for disposing of wires in order to connect the control board <b>250</b> to each of the electrical components in the multifunction device <b>201</b>. Therefore, in the embodiments, the distance Y₇remains for disposing of the ink cartridges <b>240</b>. In the embodiments, the distance Y₇is 123 mm. In some embodiments, the distance Y₇is less than about 123 mm. In some embodiments, the distance Y₇is about 123 mm. In further embodiments, the distance Y₇can vary from 123 mm by ±5 mm or ±10 mm.

0218In the embodiments, a distance Y₁₂is provided for disposing wires that are used to connect the control board <b>250</b> to each of the electric components of the multifunction device <b>201</b> and a distance Y₁₃is provided for disposing an ink-amount detecting sensor and wires. Thus, a remaining length X₁₂and X₁₈remains for the ink cartridge <b>240</b> which has dimensions similar to the ink cartridge <b>1</b> as discussed above for <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 14A-14I</figref>.

0219An ink cartridge for cyan ink, a cartridge for magenta ink, a cartridge for yellow ink and a cartridge for black ink are arranged in the lengthwise direction of the multifunction device <b>201</b>. Even though the distance Y₇is provided as discussed above, spaces for disposing locking arms are needed. One locking arm occupies a distance of about 9 mm, therefore four locking arms occupy a distance of about 9 mm×4=36 mm. As a result, ink cartridges can occupy a distance of about 123 mm−36 mm=87 mm.

0220Generally, black ink tends to be more consumed than the other color inks. Therefore, a distance of the black cartridge is set 1.5 times as long as a length of each one of the color cartridges. If about 87 mm is divided at ratios of 1.5:1:1:1, it is divided into about 29 mm: 19.5 mm, 19.5 mm, 19.5 mm. As such, the distances X₂₇, are provided as discussed above.

0221The ink cartridges <b>240</b> are disposed so as to be located within a base surface of the multifunction device <b>201</b> and a top of the control board <b>250</b>. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 25</figref>, in the embodiments, the distance H is 79.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance H is less than about 79.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance H is about 79.5 mm. In further embodiments, the distance H can vary from 79.5 mm by ±5 mm or ±10 mm. The distance H is defined by the height of the sheet supply tray <b>211</b>, the height of sheet discharge portion, and the height of the control board <b>250</b>. The sheet supply tray can accommodate 100 sheets and the sheet discharge portion can accommodate 100 discharged sheets. In the embodiments, the distance Y₁₆needed below the attached ink cartridge <b>240</b> for disposing ink tubes is 11.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance Y₁₆is less than about 11.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance Y₁₆is about 11.5 mm. In further embodiments, the distance Y₁₆can vary from 11.5 mm by ±0.5 mm or ±1 mm. Therefore, the distances X₁, X₂and X₃of the ink cartridge <b>1</b> (corresponding to a similar distance for the ink cartridge <b>240</b>) is set as discussed above.

0222In order to remove the ink cartridge <b>240</b> from the multifunction device, it is preferable to provide a protrusion (i.e., protrusion <b>1</b><i>i </i>of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 14A-14C</figref>) as a gripping part in order to facilitate removal of the ink cartridge <b>240</b> from the multifunction device <b>201</b>. In order to grip the protrusion with the user's fingers, the protrusion needs to be about 21 mm or more (i.e., X₃−X₁=71.5−50.5)=21 mm. By providing the ink cartridge <b>240</b> and the multifunction device <b>201</b> with the above dimensions, the size of the multifunction device <b>201</b> can be miniaturized.

0223While this invention has been described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments and examples outlined above, various alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements and/or substantial equivalents, whether known or that are or may be presently unforeseen, may become apparent to those having at least ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of the invention, as set forth above, are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the invention is intended to embrace all known or later developed alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements and/or substantial equivalents.